Cooper Flagg’s Surprising Rise: The Untold Story Behind His Game-Changing Role

Is Cooper Flagg really the Dallas Mavericks’ best-kept secret — or just a guy stuck in the wrong spot on the court? Watching him light it up with 26 points and nine boards against the Bucks, I couldn’t help but wonder: what if this kid spent all his minutes where he clearly shines brightest? The young phenom’s nightly hustle is a fascinating puzzle for coach Jason Kidd, juggling whether to unleash Flagg’s full forward fury or experiment with him at point guard while Kyrie Irving’s out. The numbers tell a vivid tale — better shooting, rebounding, and defense playing forward — but the team’s current reality insists on versatility. It’s like watching a diamond being cut, and the question lingers: can the Mavericks polish him into the star he’s destined to be by letting him stick primarily to his natural game? I’m itching to see how this all shakes out now that Flagg’s found a groove — and trust me, the impact is quietly getting bigger with every tick of the clock.

New Orleans Pelicans v Dallas Mavericks — (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks had the best night of his young NBA career on Monday, scoring 26 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block in his loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Since the start of the season, head coach Jason Kidd has had a decision to make: should he play Flagg as a forward or point guard?

According to Landon Thomas, Flagg is doing much better when he plays forward for the Mavericks. In that position, he is averaging 17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks.

Meanwhile, he is putting up 13.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.4 blocks when he starts as point guard.

Cooper Flagg when he starts at Forward:

17.5 points (47.5 FG%), 7.8 rebounds
3.5 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.0 block

Cooper Flagg when he starts at Point Guard:

13.6 points (38.8 FG%), 6.3 rebounds
2.9 assists, 0.9 steal, 0.4 block

— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) November 11, 2025

This is further proof that Flagg is most comfortable – and most effective – as a forward, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only position he will play. Kidd doesn’t want to swap Flagg between the two roles, but he’s in a tough spot due to Kyrie Irving’s absence.

This isn’t the way the Mavericks want to function, but they are trying to make the most out of the current situation, and Flagg possesses some of the skills necessary to be a point guard.

When Irving is back, it seems like Flagg will be playing a forward full-time, which will be better for him and the entire team.

So far this year, Flagg is averaging 15.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists on 42.4 percent from the field and 26.2 percent from beyond the three-point arc. For some, those numbers are lacking, but fans point out that Flagg isn’t really playing the position he’s made for, at least not full-time.

Plus, they remind others that he is still adjusting to performing in the NBA and finding his footing may take some time, especially for a team that is relying on him so much. Flagg will do whatever he can to help his Mavericks win, but he is clearly better suited to be a forward for Dallas.

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