A key overlooked part of Cooper Flag’s game

Cooper Flagg it has not received a lack of attention for many reasons. He performed at a high level with Duke basketball en route to winning selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft. The 18-year-old offers a unique blend of defensive prowess and offensive upside that would excite any team in the NBA. However, there is one specific element of his game that will only improve the Mavericks offense for years to come.

There are obviously many reasons to love Flagg’s game. He is an excellent defender, a great scorer and continues to improve as a shooter. His knowledge of the game and instincts only add more concern to opponents.

The conversation in recent weeks has often revolved around whether or not Cooper Flagg will play point guard for Dallas. The fact is, whether Flagg is a guard or a forward, his impact will be huge. There are core elements to his game that make him particularly dangerous.

In the NBA, some stars tend to aggressively drive to the basket only when they have the basketball in their hands. Sometimes you will see lazy cuts off the ball. However, this is not a problem with Flag.

Of course, Flagg’s athleticism makes him a force going downhill with the ball. His cuts off the ball are aggressive though, as he is always ready to receive a pass. This gives other players on the floor a chance to find someone with excellent finishing ability on the slice.

How Cooper Flagg’s cut off the ball changes everything

Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg provided a perfect example of how dominant this can be during a 121-94 preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Video over NBA:

Flight Flagg is approved for TAKEOFF ✈ pic.twitter.com/7VI7jzDmpf

— NBA (@NBA) October 16, 2025

In the video above, AD takes over his dribble and clearly wants to pass the ball to Flagg at the top of the arc. Flagg circles his way to Davis from the bottom left corner on the floor. However, when he realizes his defender is outplaying him, Flagg stops without hesitation — causing his defender’s momentum to take him out of the play.

Some players may have stopped and looked for the ball outside the arc. Others may have returned and demanded surrender. Flagg, using his impressive basketball IQ, saw an open lane and immediately cut to the basket. AD also deserves credit, as he made a perfect bounce pass to Flagg that led to an easy dunk.

It was truly a thing of beauty. This particular game was great — and there will be many more like it this season.

Flagg understands when to cut and as long as his teammates are able to consistently find him, the Duke product should have numerous options after receiving the ball. Even if defenders look to contain Flagg after receiving a pass, the rookie has the awareness to find an open teammate if needed. Of course, his athleticism gives him the ability to finish through traffic, so as mentioned, Flagg will have plenty of options in the paint.

Don’t neglect cutting off the ball

Stephen Curry has long been an elite player off the ball. He is a sharp shooter so he often fades behind the arc while running away from the ball. However, Curry’s play off the ball helped make him the star he is today.

Cooper Flagg will likely channel his off-ball skills in a different way. Sure, he might get some open looks from deep, but Flagg’s understanding of when to attack the basket is what will make a big difference to this Mavericks offense.

Cutting off the ball should never be neglected. Next time you’re watching a game, don’t just focus on the ball handler. Don’t look at the ball players to understand what makes an offense successful.