Cooper Flagg already rescued Klay Thompson from losing his Mavericks starting spot

Last season, Cooper Flagg had one of the best seasons of any college basketball player while at Duke. Flagg's offensive game propelled the Blue Devils to a Final Four appearance. He averaged 21 points per game in five games and shot 50 percent from the 3-point line during the NCAA Tournament. Flagg scored 27 points in Duke's final game against Houston and made 75 percent of his long-range attempts. There was no doubt he was NBA-ready, as he is expected to make an immediate impact for the Dallas Mavericks next season.

Flagg proved his worth in the Summer League for Dallas, and Mavs fans can't wait for him to take the floor again. He scored a whopping 31 points in the team's second game against the San Antonio Spurs. He was comfortable shooting the ball and wasn't afraid to score from all angles. There was just one issue, though: Flagg's 3-point shooting. He struggled to replicate his shooting numbers from college, as critics began to question his shooting form and his success rate at the next level.

Flagg missed all five of his 3-point attempts in his first Summer League game against the Los Angeles Lakers and shot 33 percent in his second appearance. Even though he was having to create his own shot often, even from downtown, it was a struggle fans couldn't ignore as they wondered how he'd fit into the Mavs' starting lineup. It was always known that he was going to start; fans just wondered who would start alongside him. Now, all signs point to him being the team's small forward, paving the way for Klay Thompson to start at the two once again.

Klay Thompson's shooting will make Cooper Flagg's transition smoother

Earlier in the summer, Jason Kidd spoke about Flagg's transition to the team. He mentioned how Dallas planned to experiment with their rookie and use him in a variety of ways. One idea Kidd pitched was starting Flagg at the shooting guard position. Fans then assumed that Kidd could roll out a lengthy lineup that includes Kyrie Irving, Flagg, P.J. Washington, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II once the team is fully healthy.

However, Kidd may need to reconsider this idea, as Flagg's 3-point struggles in Summer League debunk the motion. Dallas will need a proven 3-point shooter to start in the lineup alongside Flagg. This is where Thompson comes in, rather than Washington. He is a veteran shooter who is considered one of the top players in history.

Thompson has a career average of 41.1 percent from the 3-point line. Last season, he shot 39.1 percent from downtown. Thompson had one of his best shooting games towards the end of the season. He converted 71.4 percent of his 3-point attempts in the Mavs' first play-in game against the Sacramento Kings. It was Thompson's production that helped Dallas move on to the next round.

So, Klay Thompson's experience and high level of shooting make him a top candidate to return as the Mavs' shooting guard to play alongside Flagg, and while Washington's defense and length would be fun to watch next to Flagg, they are going to need much more shooting than that. Plus, his offseason workout illustrates that there is always room for improvement. Last month, Thompson was seen working out with NBA skills coach Chris Brickley, as he converted 72 straight 3-pointers. It was an amazing accomplishment by one of the best shooters in history.

This means it's very probable Thompson will be out for revenge next season. He'll want to prove to the league and everyone else that he is still one of the top shooters in the game. So, why not pair him next to Flagg? It'll open up the Mavs' offense and make Flagg's job easier. Plus, he is one of the few true catch-and-shot players on the roster, and as fans saw last year, having poor shooting next to Davis is a recipe for disaster.

Thompson needs to be in the Mavs' opening lineup next to Flagg. Over time, Flagg could develop into a lethal 3-point shooter, but things take time. Mavs' fans must be patient with Flagg's ability to adapt in the NBA and know Thompson will be a major piece of the team's success next season. So, a starting lineup of D'Angelo Russell, Thompson, Flagg, Davis, and Lively II makes the most sense.