Mavericks just got a glimpse of Cooper Flagg's game-changing evolution

Cooper Flagg keeps getting better. His skill set is becoming more well-rounded with each game, and his superstar ceiling remains high. He’s already proved he can score and rebound at the NBA level by dropping an incredible 49 points and 10 rebounds on January 29 in an overtime loss to the Charlotte Hornets. And now, his passing skills are developing at the perfect time.

Flagg is becoming much more than a scorer

Flagg is averaging 7.7 assists over his last four games and is learning how to be effective as a passer even when his shot isn’t falling. He showed great balance when he scored 27 points and dished 10 assists in a 130-120 win against the streaking Cleveland Cavaliers on March 15. He followed that with a solid 21-point, 8-assist performance in a 129-111 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite that loss, Flagg continues to demonstrate a growing ability to share the basketball.

He’s recorded five or more assists in each of Dallas’ last 10 games, averaging 6.6 assists in March. His ability to make the right pass makes opponents hesitant to double-team and encourages his teammates to get open for scoring opportunities.

Defenses are going to have their hands full

This is what Dallas expects from their budding superstar. Finding the perfect blend of scoring and passing is one of basketball’s sacred arts. Only a few can tap into that frequency.

But Flagg has never been afraid to make the right play or an extra pass . Now, he’s being more deliberate about the style of play he wants to establish for the team within the flow of the offense.

Dallas watched former Maverick Luka Doncic quickly become the team’s engine. Doncic mastered the art of dropping nifty lobs to his big men and sending skip passes to shooters on the perimeter.

Flagg has the potential to become the same type of engine, but in his own way. Improving his passing will be essential for him to counter defensive schemes designed to load up on him.

Knowing when to be assertive and when to make the right pass will be among the most important skills Flagg develops. And he appears to be heading in the right direction. If Dallas can surround Flagg with more shooters, it will make him even more dangerous as a passer.

Kidd is ready to put the ball in Flagg's hands

Head Coach Jason Kidd recently discussed what he looks for in a point guard, with being an effective passer being one of those qualities. Dallas might look to address this need in the upcoming NBA draft. But Kidd will be giving the ball to Flagg more often as his career develops.

Flagg will continue to develop the key features of his game, including passing. Dallas is confident that Coach Kidd can help him reach his full potential faster. If Flagg keeps sharpening his passing skills, he will be a handful for teams to deal with for years to come.