Cooper Flagg's next Mavericks co-star isn't who you expect

In the same way the Dallas Mavericks found Kyrie Irving to pair with Luka Doncic, they are now tasked with finding a co-star for Cooper Flagg, but Dallas could already have Flagg’s co-star of the future in Dereck Lively II. This will obviously hinge on Lively II’s health, as he’s played in less than 40 percent of regular-season games throughout his three seasons in the league, but the synergy he can develop with Flagg is undeniable.

Lively II is only 22 years old, and he was already one of the best rim protectors in the league when healthy. His offensive game has grown immensely since coming into the league, as he’s more comfortable when sealing or posting up en route to making baby-hook shots or getting to the rim. He's even showcased the ability to put the ball on the deck a little bit and has the mobility to defend better than most big men in space.

Lively II is Cooper Flagg's co-star of the future

Given Flagg's budding skill as a lob passer, his game is curated to fit perfectly with Lively II, as they'll be able to work great in the pick and roll together next season and beyond. Flagg may not be the same caliber facilitator as Doncic was, but he's a very heady passer already, and Lively II gives him a paint presence to go to that Dallas otherwise didn't have this past season.

The Mavericks could still get a really solid find in the NBA Draft this year, especially if they land inside the top four or five picks in the draft, but Lively II is undoubtedly a more surefire candidate to be Flagg's co-star of the future at this point in their career.

They both already have a working relationship with Duke head coach Jon Scheyer from their time spent there, as Flagg and Lively II have a great relationship off the court as well, given they are both young guys and went to the same college. Chemistry matters a lot more for star pairings than the average fan would think, so Flagg and Lively II already have the foundation of a star duo if Lively II can start to stay healthier.

Their fit together is already seamless

While it sounds like a broken record at this point, Lively II developing his 3-point shot further could make this duo truly unstoppable, as it would open up Dallas' offense to give them a myriad of more actions to run with Flagg and Lively II. Lively II is also a great passer in the short roll, which makes this duo tantalizing if they have solid shooting around them.

It's no secret that factors outside of Dallas' control, like Lively II's health, could make or break the ceiling on this duo, but Lively II returning to the rotation next season should leave Mavericks fans optimistic that Flagg already has a developing co-star on the roster should they not find one in the draft this June.

Many Mavericks fans have already forgotten about Lively II's impact and what he brings with him, having only played in seven games this past season, but he undoubtedly has the most potential out of anyone on the roster outside of Flagg. The pairing has a rare mix in terms of being a great fit on the court as well as off, which could make them a dynamic force for years to come.

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