Cooper Flagg's overlooked skill will be key to Mavericks' inevitable rise

Cooper Flagg’s arrival in Dallas has already created a lot of excitement, but not enough people are discussing the skill that could truly set him apart from other rookies: his passing. The Mavericks drafted him for his scoring ability, defensive flexibility, and high basketball IQ, but his knack for creating opportunities for others might be the secret strength that helps this team reach new heights.

Flagg is an underrated passer who understands the game well and excels in transition. He isn’t just a good outlet passer; he reads the game quickly, spotting mismatches and cutters before the defense has a chance to react. His lob passes, in particular, stand out, providing Dallas with another dynamic option in their half-court offense. For a team that relies on spacing and movement, his talent for getting teammates involved could be the key to their offensive strategy.

Of course, Flagg is not yet fully developed. He still needs to improve his ball handling, and sometimes the pace of the game can overwhelm him. However, he has a solid foundation. Passing is a skill that cannot be easily taught; vision and instinct often come naturally. Flagg possesses those instincts, and in Dallas, surrounded by experienced players, he should have numerous chances to evolve into a dependable secondary playmaker. With each practice, he will build the confidence needed to make more complex reads while reducing mistakes.

Cooper Flagg’s vision could be the key to Dallas’ offense

The Mavericks have a roster full of scorers and high-level finishers who could benefit from Flagg’s unselfish play. Whether it’s lobs to Dereck Lively II, kick-outs to Klay Thompson, or inside-out passes to Anthony Davis, Flagg’s passing can help bring it all together. His vision in transition will also enhance Dallas’ fast breaks, which sometimes stalled last season. A rookie with the composure to push the tempo while assisting teammates is rare, and Flagg could be that vital piece.

The statistics back this potential. At Montverde Academy and with Team USA, Flagg showed advanced passing skills for his position, averaging several assists per game while being one of the primary scoring options. These experiences proved that his playmaking was not just a flash in the pan, but a reliable part of his game. If he can quickly adapt this to the NBA, Dallas might gain a player who can enhance their team chemistry from day one.

The advantages go beyond mere statistics. Passing defines a team’s culture, and rookies who play selflessly often gain the trust of veterans more quickly. Flagg’s desire to keep everyone involved could strengthen locker room dynamics and make the Mavericks’ offense harder to predict. Defenses won’t be able to focus on just one or two creators if Flagg consistently shows he can make the right passes.

It’s easy to emphasize Flagg’s size, athleticism, and scoring potential, but his passing might truly make him unique. If the rookie continues to sharpen this skill, the Mavericks won’t just have landed a future star; they’ll have found the connection that lifts their roster into true contention. His vision could ultimately be the factor that turns Dallas from a solid team into one that is nearly unstoppable.