The regular NBA season has 82 games, and after game five, it looks like there may be some adversity ahead for the Dallas Mavericks. They are 2-3, but injuries are already piling up, as Anthony Davis left the game Wednesday with a leg injury. That leaves both the backcourt and frontcourt in trouble already in week two, and the group is generally struggling to gel on most nights still.
This is where Cooper Flagg remembering who he is comes in. Every team needs a ceiling raiser and a showman, someone
making a tough game more exciting to watch even on a rainy Tuesday in November. Someone who plays with joy and finds the fun in the small moments, who takes a challenge head on, someone who has a little chip on his shoulder.
The showmanship of basketball is a big part of the game at this level and Dallas has been spoiled when it comes to entertainment value for decades. The fans are used to it and have come to expect it.
And, of course, they are in luck once again. Not only do they have Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, who can deliver big moments and showmanship, but now they also have Cooper Flagg.
Yesterday, he showed off a little of what showman Flagg looks like, getting fans and players – and even more importantly – himself, hyped.
After the game, Flagg was asked about his “too small” gesture to Mac McClung, and it was clear that Flagg understands the purpose and bigger point of what he was doing:
“I think it’s about having fun. That’s something I’m trying to keep with me through everything. That’s something the older guys have been talking about, Klay especially. Just playing with a lot of joy. Just trying to enjoy the game as much as I can.”
In some ways, it sounds a little bit like Flagg was reminded to be himself. He’s had some big plays the last few games, getting the fans excited and showing the crowd what a force he can be. But this moment was a sign that he is finding his footing in the NBA and feels comfortable enough to show his personality.
Let’s not forget that this is what the Flagg experience looked like when he played for Duke:
Playing to the crowd, embracing the big moments, finding and showing off that joy. It’s contagious. That’s what Flagg has been thriving at all along, and now it’s time that he shows that personality even more with the Mavericks.
With lackluster results and sometimes effort, Dallas is in dire need of some excitement and a spark plug, especially when the vets and stars are injured and there’s no point guard in sight. If Cooper Flagg starts feeling comfortable enough to keep showing off that big personality and showmanship, this season could get very exciting in Dallas. This could be the perfect place for a future superstar to shine.
And who knows, maybe that exact thing could also influence winning – and chemistry. It wouldn’t be the first time.
