Cooper Flag’s NBA Debut Sparks Questions

Cooper Flag made headlines when he graduated from college and was selected first overall by the Mavericks in the June draft. However, NBA analyst Mark Spears, who has ties to Duke, expressed confusion about the lack of attention surrounding him.

In a segment on “NBA Today” Monday, Spears voiced his concern about the build-up leading into the season. He was particularly curious about the absence of hype for Flag, questioning why he hadn’t been more prominently featured.

Mark Spears commented: “What are you doing in the NBA? Why aren’t you promoting this guy? Get on the train. I won’t see him in the promotion. No one is talking about this guy.”

“What’s going on with this player?” Spears continued. “Where’s the buzz? The NBA should definitely be promoting him. I remember seeing him play in Vegas last year alongside talents like Brandon Miller and Tray Murphy. And honestly, he was just 17 at the time. I mean, he won’t even be 19 until Christmas. This kid has star potential!”

Spears closed his commentary with a warning: “Don’t sleep on this kid.”

Last season, Flag had an impressive run at Duke, averaging 19.2 points per game while shooting 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc. He garnered several accolades, including the AP Player of the Year, Naismith Award, and the American Basketball Writers Association Player of the Year.

These accomplishments ultimately led to his selection by the Mavericks as the first overall pick.

Flag made his debut in a preseason game against the Thunder on Monday night, scoring 10 points in just 14 minutes. He was perfect from the field, shooting 6-for-6 overall and hitting 2 of 3 from three-point range.

Additionally, he recorded six rebounds, three assists, and a block during the game.