Anthony Davis Backs Cooper Flagg to Defend Top Scorers for Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are currently in the first week of training camp for the 2025-26 NBA season, focusing on integrating their first overall pick, Cooper Flagg, into a roster filled with talent but facing some uncertainties. One of the key issues the team must address is point of attack defense—specifically, who will guard the opposing team’s best scorer. Anthony Davis, a prominent player on the team, expressed confidence in Flagg’s ability to take on this challenge, particularly against elite scorers like Kevin Durant.
Davis highlighted Flagg’s skills, stating, “He can block shots, he can jump, he can rebound, he can defend one through five. He can cover a lot of ground, force guys to get beat. He can cover up for us.” Davis’s assessment underscores Flagg’s versatility and potential impact on the defensive end. He further elaborated, “We’re going to put him in situations where he has to guard maybe the best wing, like Kevin Durant or Jimmy Butler. We have enough confidence in him to send him out there to guard those guys.”
Flagg’s two-way capabilities were a significant factor in his selection as the top draft pick, particularly his defensive prowess at a young age. As a player of his size, he presents a rare combination of height and agility that allows him to defend effectively. On the offensive side, Mavericks’ head coach Jason Kidd envisions Flagg taking on a role similar to that of former NBA star Grant Hill, another Duke product, to initiate plays as a larger wing player. This strategy will be essential, especially with Kyrie Irving sidelined for the foreseeable future due to a torn ACL.
Davis also believes that Flagg’s defensive skills can empower him to take on a leadership role among his teammates. During a recent practice, Davis encouraged Flagg to assert himself, saying, “I told him in practice today, we were doing a drill, and he was hesitant about kicking the guy out. I said, ‘You’re very great defensively, where you have the ability to grab him and throw him and tell him to get to his position.’” This encouragement reflects the team’s trust in Flagg to not only defend but also direct his teammates.
The excitement surrounding Flagg’s potential is palpable within the Mavericks organization. Davis has witnessed Flagg’s capabilities firsthand; he was part of the Select Team that practiced against Team USA ahead of the Olympics last year. If Flagg fulfills the expectations set for him, it could signal a successful season ahead for the Mavericks.
With training camp underway, all eyes will be on how Flagg adapts to the professional level and what contributions he can make to a team eager to compete. The Mavericks are poised to leverage his talent, making this season one to watch closely.
