It only took 3 games for Cooper Flagg to surpass Luka Doncic in crucial area

The Dallas Mavericks have had a successful preseason thus far. Many players have used the time to take advantage of minutes and showcase their talents. One player in particular is Ryan Nembhard. The Dallas guard performed well in his third preseason game, as he helped lead the Mavs' offense. He dished out 12 assists in 26 minutes and potentially surpassed his name over Jaden Hardy within Jason Kidd's rotation.

Another player who performed well in their third preseason game was incoming rookie Cooper Flagg. He dominated on both ends of the court and looked comfortable in multiple positions. One area Flagg excelled in was his ability to move effectively. He looked comfortable hustling on both sides of the ball, fitting the two-way player standard that Nico Harrison was looking for..

If you recall, Harrison traded Luka Doncic because he felt the former star didn't fit the formula Dallas was looking for. It was believed that Doncic's conditioning became a huge issue. At one point, Doncic reportedly weighed 270 pounds. This led to him struggling on the defensive end and failing to keep up with some of the best players. However, this is something that won't be an issue with Flagg.

Cooper Flagg's relentless motor sets him apart

Last season, many analysts criticized Doncic's defense. They viewed him as a one-dimensional player who excels well offensively but lacks the defensive intangibles that sometimes hinder the Mavs' system. For example, NBA champion Kendrick Perkins shut down Doncic's effort on the defensive end. He explained that it wasn't Doncic's tools or IQ, but rather his lack of effort. Simply put, he believed Doncic didn't try on defense and allowed scorers to run right past him.

This is something the Mavs won't have to worry about when it comes to Flagg. In three preseason games, the rookie has excelled on both sides of the ball and has done an excellent job of hustling on both ends.

In his third preseason game, Flagg proved he can make an immediate impact for Dallas. Defensively, he finished the game with two blocks, two steals, and six defensive rebounds. If you watch the video below, you'll see a perfect example of him moving with the scorer and protecting the rim. His quick feet and aggressive style allowed Flagg to reach in for a block and move from the top of the key to the paint.

Offensively, Flagg demonstrated more of his high scoring. The Mavs' rookie struggled shooting, as he shot 23 percent overall and made just one 3-point shot. Yet, Flagg still used his fast level of play to get his buckets and did a great job of pushing the pace in transition. He did a great job attacking, as he converted numerous dunks and got himself a couple of attempts at the free-throw line.

Flagg's two-way ability, though, is what distinguishes him from Doncic. In Dallas' third game, Mavs fans saw a glimpse of how athletic and conditioned Flagg is. He started the game handling the ball at the point guard position as he ran the offense. Flagg also covered multiple positions and was aggressive, snatching boards and giving Dallas second-chance opportunities. Basically, his aggressive style demonstrated the impact of his conditioning and versatility.

So, Flagg's presence through three games is something that should excite Mavs fans. He is a young, athletic player who has all the intangibles to succeed in the NBA. Plus, his aggressive tendencies could be the perfect match for a team lacking a two-way presence. Flagg's season debut can't come soon enough.