Cooper Flagg is settling in nicely alongside one Dallas Mavericks player who has worked his way into a regular spot in the starting five.
The Mavericks have not had the best start to the season, going 8-15 through their first 23 games and sitting down in 12th place in the Western Conference standings.
Jason Kidd has said the team’s struggles are partly down to Cooper Flagg’s development, but that explanation hasn’t been well received by fans so far.
On the whole, though, the rookie has lived up to expectations. He keeps setting new records and putting in the kind of performances supporters were hoping for.
However, Flagg began the season playing point guard, which did not suit him. That is why he appreciates having Ryan Nembhard on board now.
Cooper Flagg feels right at home playing with Ryan Nembhard on the Dallas Mavericks
After the game, Flagg spoke about his time alongside Nembhard, who has moved into a starting role at point guard this season.
Flagg did not hold back in his praise for Nembhard, highlighting both his play on the court and the support he provides off it. He talked about how their friendship has made it easier to adjust to life in the league.
“Ryan’s just the type of player where it’s just easy to be alongside. He just makes everybody better out there… I love playing with Ryan… He’s a great player and a great person.
“Me, Ryan, Miles as well, Moussa. The four of us coming in here, even though we’re all at different stages of our lives…
“We’re all kinda going through the same thing, you’re a rookie together, and you’re only a rookie once. Just trying to build that continuity and go through it together and not feel like we’re alone out here…”
Flagg also pointed out that having Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis on the court with Nembhard has helped him adjust offensively.
“I think just between him [AD] and Klay on the court at the same time, the amount of gravity that those two guys have, just pulling defenses toward them, and kind of just creating space out there. I mean, it’s huge for me.
“Guys are going to double him, I’m now finding cutting lanes, kind of playing offense. It’s just, it’s been a treat for me to kind of be alongside him [AD], and he just made our team so much better.”
Ryan Nembhard proving his importance to the Mavericks’ long-term plans
Since joining the Mavericks as an undrafted rookie, Nembhard has made a quick impression, even working his way into the starting line-up.
With the Flagg experiment at point guard not panning out and D’Angelo Russell struggling to contribute offensively, the 22-year-old has stepped in and taken control of the position.
Even once Kyrie Irving returns from his ACL injury, Nembhard is showing enough potential to remain in the role.
Irving has shown he can move over to shooting guard if needed, and Nembhard’s athleticism gives Dallas a real boost defensively on the perimeter.
The Mavericks’ coach will want to make sure he continues this progress so that when Irving is back in action, he is fully prepared for whatever role is asked of him.
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