The Mavs play the mystery card with Cooper Flagg’s versatility

The Mavs wasted no time showing that Cooper Flagg won’t be just another rookie. Weeks before his official debut, the Dallas franchise sparked curiosity—and a few raised eyebrows—by listing the 6’9” prospect not only as a forward but also as a guard on their team site. It may seem like a minor detail, but it could signal the beginning of a tactical shift in how the Mavs operate.

Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 Draft by the Mavs, comes in with star potential written all over him. His time at Duke proved he’s not just talented—he’s unusually mature for his age. What’s surprising now is the possibility of seeing Flagg handle the ball as a point guard, a role that hasn’t been part of his usual repertoire. According to a report by Sportskeeda, this move might be tied to the extended absence of Kyrie Irving, who’s recovering from an ACL injury and isn’t expected back until January 2026.

Versatility game

Versatility is the name of the game for the Mavs Jason Kidd, known for his strategic mind and as one of the best point guards of his era, seems ready to experiment. And who better to test new ideas with than Cooper Flagg? The Mavs rookie brings a rare blend of athleticism, basketball IQ, and flexibility. At Duke, Flagg shifted between forward and power forward roles, but never ran the offense as a primary ball handler. Now, his ability to read the floor and distribute the ball could make him a temporary—or maybe even long-term—solution for the Mavs.

Did a routine check-in on the #Mavs‘ media website and noticed Cooper Flagg was recently added to the team’s roster. Most notably, he’s listed as a guard/forward. pic.twitter.com/nQbYAXLasp

— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) August 18, 2025

Context matters. The Mavs aren’t rebuilding—they’re chasing a title. With veterans like Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving on the roster, Cooper Flagg joins a team stacked with Hall of Fame-caliber talent. His role will be that of the fourth gear in a machine that needs both precision and youth. His debut is set for October 6, in a preseason matchup against the reigning champs, the Oklahoma City Thunder. It’s the perfect stage to test Flagg’s poise under pressure.

Flagg’s image is already gaining traction

Beyond the court, Cooper Flagg is starting to generate serious commercial buzz. According to Boardroom, his Nike deal includes performance-based incentives, and his Instagram following surged past 2 million after the draft. The Mavs didn’t just bet on a player—they invested in a brand that could transcend basketball.

 

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Una publicación compartida de Dave & Buster’s (@daveandbusters)