Cooper Flagg’s NBA debut was fully eclipsed by an MVP efficiency from Victor Wembanyama, who put up 40 factors, 15 rebounds and three blocks. Flagg completed the sport with 10 factors and 10 rebounds on 4 of 13 from the ground in a 125-92 blowout loss to the Spurs, because the Mavericks have been fully clueless in attempting to gradual Wembanyama.
In all equity, it was all the time going to be an uphill battle for the Mavericks on this recreation, as a result of Wembanyama is a literal cheat code on each ends of the ground. It is really shocking that Dallas entered this recreation because the slight betting favorites (-2.5), as a result of there’s not a single participant on that staff who can credibly guard him. Anthony Davis was Dallas’ finest shot, and he — a five-time All-Defensive participant — was simply misplaced with Wemby in entrance of him.
Having to play towards Wembanyama is a troublesome first check for Flagg, and whereas there will definitely be some overreactions due to the outsized expectations that include being the No. 1 general decide, there should not be any panic about his uneven debut.
NBA opening night time overreactions for every recreation: Wembanyama could possibly be NBA’s finest participant, Knicks repair big downside
Sam Quinn
Flagg appeared most comfy offensively within the third quarter, the place he scored eight of his 10 factors. Unsurprisingly, all of that manufacturing got here with Wembanyama off the ground, which allowed the rookie to assault the rim — what he is finest at — and get to his spots within the mid-range. His 10-minute stretch within the third quarter was the most effective snapshot of the kind of offensive participant he might be, and luckily he will not should go towards Wembanyama 82 instances in a season.
He was aggressive on the boards and held his personal defensively, however the Mavericks must work out how he suits within the beginning lineup, as a result of the Flagg-at-point-guard experiment may must be shelved as quickly as the following recreation. It was one thing the Mavericks toyed with within the preseason to some success, so Dallas coach Jason Kidd caught with it for the season opener.
Flagg’s clearly not a pure level guard, and the choice was made primarily due to his defensive capabilities, however what we acquired was simply an unorganized mess. He wasn’t actually concerned on offense for a lot of the first half (simply two shot makes an attempt), and guys like Davis and Klay Thompson have been taking part in iso ball. That is actually only a criticism of how the Mavericks’ offense appeared, the place there was little ball motion and everybody was settling for poor photographs. That is additionally the fact of taking part in towards Wembanyama, whose presence fairly actually scares groups from even trying on the paint. Nonetheless, although, placing Flagg at level guard feels just like the Mavericks are making issues tougher than they should be.
Sure, Kidd had success prior to now with turning Giannis Antetokounmpo right into a point-forward, however Flagg is not the bodily specimen who can simply impose his energy on guys and cost in direction of the rim. If Kidd wished to see if Flagg would sink or swim, then that is a tremendous check to provide your rookie, however it would not seem to be a viable long-term choice with the best way this staff is constructed.
If the Mavericks had plans to tank this season, then positive, run Flagg at level guard — let him simply get the reps and don’t be concerned concerning the wins and losses. The talents he’ll develop on the place will definitely assist him in the long term. However that is not the fact of this staff. They traded Luka Dončić for Davis in hopes of profitable a championship now. This is not a roster constructed to tank, so balancing Flagg’s growth with the need to compete this season goes to be a troublesome tightrope to stroll.
The Mavericks signed D’Angelo Russell this previous summer time with the concept he could be the place to begin guard till Kyrie Irving acquired again, however Russell got here off the bench on Wednesday. It was a foul night time for Russell, simply six factors on 1 of 6 from the ground, however he is somebody who can get issues organized on offense. Having him within the beginning lineup would take the strain off Flagg, who could possibly be that secondary ball-handler with out having the only accountability of operating the offense.
Asking Flagg to be the purpose guard and play out of place appears like a large ask for a rookie, particularly on this particular staff. He confirmed flashes within the third quarter of the kind of participant he may be, however the Mavericks should put him ready to succeed to ensure that him to place collectively greater than 1 / 4’s price of a very good recreation.
