Cooper Flagg is nuts at basketball. Cut and dry. Without a doubt, the Dallas Mavericks star is the most complete rookie in this draft class. He leads all rookies in points and ranks in the top five when it comes to rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks per game. However, a mark of 28% from three leaves some spectators wanting more.
Three-point shooting has become an increasing focus in the NBA since Steph Curry and James Harden started lighting up the league. In an era where efficiency is everyone’s favorite word, scoring three points at once is the nerd’s choice for maximizing offense. It makes analytical sense, but the overhyping of the three-ball has ushered in a ludicrous Rookie of the Year argument with fellow Duke alum Kon Knueppel. The Charlotte wing is favoured over Flagg because of his three-pointer. Should Dallas’ golden boy follow suit and develop his deep shot?
Arc Survival: Does Cooper Flagg Need to Work on His 3 Ball?
While it’s important for all rookies, no matter how talented they are, to work on an all-around game, Cooper Flagg doesn’t need a three-point shot to be a valuable player. Every other facet of his game screams superstar, and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Three-point shooting at an elite level is more than just about where you take shots from; it’s a mental shift. The most impressive thing about Flagg’s game is his insane IQ and court vision. By leveraging his physical gifts and instincts, he’s a threat on both ends of the floor. Coop is just shy of the All-Star level. The ultimate ability for any athlete is figuring out how to use the tools you have for maximum advantage. Flagg has this nailed. Trying to turn Cooper Flagg into Ray Allen would be putting a square peg in a round hole. He’s a two-point beast, not a corner sitter.
However, the general testament is not without some merit. A higher three-point percentage would definitely demand more defensive pressure on the Dallas rookie, giving teammates more space and creating more off-ball opportunities. This year in particular, it would have been a great benefit to many Mavs, especially in the absence of an elite playmaker. While this would, without a doubt, make the Dallas Mavericks a better basketball team, there is an alternative solution to that problem. Sign better players and draft well.
Flagg is Better off Sticking to his Guns
Flagg’s game and what it will blossom into make him the perfect team piece, and that should remain unchanged. If the Mavs ever find themselves in desperate need of three-point shooting, just get another guy. Since the three-point revolution, long-ball specialists have been a dime a dozen. ‘3-and-D’ is the job description of so many guys in the league that most of them end up perched on the bench. One of those guys will cost you a veteran minimum. That’s a small price to pay compared to the stifled development of one of basketball’s brightest prospects.
There are dozens of efficient three-point shooters in the NBA today, but there is only one Cooper Flagg.
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