Newest Cooper Flagg disrespect will awaken a monster for Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks head into next season with a loaded roster, even with Kyrie Irving out for the first half of the year with a torn ACL. Anthony Davis leads a squad equipped with veterans like Klay Thompson, D'Angelo Russell, and Dereck Lively II. One player expected to boost the roster is Cooper Flagg. The No. 1 pick has all the intangibles to take his college game to the next level.

There's no doubt Flagg will be a future star in the league. However, recent coaches and experts believe he won't be a top player in five years. In a survey conducted by ESPN that polled anonymous coaches, scouts, and executives, Flagg was not predicted to be a top-five player in the league in five years. Victor Wembanyama took the top spot with Luka Doncic trailing right behind him. Flagg, though, was in the running to be the best American player in five years.

Flagg had the second-highest votes to be the best American player, trailing Anthony Edwards for the top spot. Scouts reiterated that. "It's unfair to Cooper to put that on him before playing in one NBA game." Basically, it's Anthony Edwards' spot until proven otherwise.

Cooper Flagg doubts will awaken a monster

This wasn't the only questionnaire that showed doubt in Flagg. Last week, Bontemps completed a piece where experts questioned Flagg's placement in a year. One NBA assistant believes Flagg's role doesn't fit the Mavs. He explained that the roster is veteran-heavy, something that might not work for Flagg.

So, it's clear Flagg has a lot to prove if he hopes to become a future star in the league. The recent surveys showing disbelief in him should motivate him to have a breakout rookie season. Plus, with the Luka Doncic trade, it should add an extra layer of motivation.

One thing that could help Flagg prove others wrong and take his game to the next level is his off-ball play. Dallas already has plans to work on Flagg's ball-handling skills and let him play point guard at times, but if they can help him improve aspects like setting screens and getting timely cuts, it could elevate his game even further. It would be an under-the-radar move that would make him one of the players in the league.

Fans caught a glimpse of Flagg's ball work in the summer when he helped the offense. In the Summer League, he played multiple positions, particularly point guard, where he excelled at finding open teammates and setting up key plays.

Yet, if Flagg is to prove doubters wrong, it won't be his skills that help change his game, but his mindset. Something to note about Flagg is that he doesn't care about individual success. According to his trainer, Matt MacKenzie, Flagg's number one priority is helping his team win games. He wants to play a valuable role in the Mavs' future success.

This is good news for Mavs fans, as Flagg won't care about being one of the top players in five years. His main priority will be helping Dallas get back into the playoffs. This is all the organization needs from him: being the best version of himself and helping improve the roster around him.

So, Mavs fans, Flagg should do a good job ignoring the past comments and results and focus on improving his game. All the talk about where he will be in five years should be all the motivation he needs to have a successful rookie season.