Stephen Curry confirms what every Mavericks fan knows about Cooper Flagg

Stephen Curry is recognized as the greatest shooter in NBA history, and even though the Dallas Mavericks lost on Christmas Day to the Golden State Warriors, Curry echoed what every fan thinks when it comes to the instant stardom of Cooper Flagg. Hall of Fame players left and right have been nothing but warm to the rookie out of Duke, and Curry is only the latest player.

"Just a true hooper," Curry said. "Competitor. We forget how young he is. The future is bright. I'm glad he got this experience. I understand what the bright lights feel like, and the league is in good hands."

Mavs fans can picture Flagg as the next best NBA player. Flagg's IQ, shooting, and defensive athleticism are only part of why he can be the next LeBron James or Michael Jordan. It's saying a lot now, but Curry was next on the bandwagon of Hall of Fame players to give Flagg his flowers after the game on Christmas Day.

Stephen Curry sees Cooper Flagg as a future face of the NBA

Curry and Flagg have known each other for two years, as Flagg attended Curry's camp of elite high school players from around the nation back in 2023. As a 16-year-old, Flagg impressed, and it led to Flagg and Curry playing against each other on Christmas Day, just like the script was supposed to go.

NBA Hall of Fame forward and analyst Charles Barkley even made a bold claim that the Mavericks should blow everything up to build around Flagg and end the Anthony Davis experiment. Davis' injuries are another topic, but the point here is that it's not every day you give the keys to a 19-year-old kid, but it's safe to say that Flagg has earned the keys in his hand.

Speaking of Curry, one aspect of Flagg's game that will make him unstoppable is when he masters 3-point shooting. Mavs fans won't be pleased to know that not only does he need to improve, but he needs to do it drastically, as it's become by far the worst part of his game. As of after Christmas, he's shooting at 27 percent from downtown. This is not the range he needs to be at if he's going to become an all-time great.

The best part about that is that Flagg has all the time in the world to get better at shooting. He's already been mentored by the greatest shooter in NBA history, and it won't be long until he masters that part of his game.

Victor Wembanyama is the main source of the San Antonio Spurs going from a laughingstock to a juggernaut that has officially become the kryptonite to the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Building around Flagg with young players could help Dallas make a comeback. Wemby might be Texas' No. 1 star for now, but Flagg is up and coming. People like Curry are well aware of that.

It'll be fun to see what the kid can do for the rest of his career. Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi, or whoever will take over the GM duties, have the easiest job. Make Flagg a Maverick for life.