Charles Barkley warns against overthinking the Cooper Flag experiment

While the fans had mixed reactions to Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg’s debut since the team lost its regular season opener to the San Antonio Spurs, 125-92, some have taken issue with the way he was used. After that The rookie Mavericks had a scoreless first half and later became more aggressive, Charles Barkley explained his objections to the team’s use of him as a point guard.

As the “Inside the NBA” crew is now on ESPN from TNT in the past, Barkley spoke at halftime about Flagg being scoreless and how his main job is to run the offense. He would say Dallas “I’m trying to outdo everyone,” and what they need to do is start D’Angelo Russell until Kyrie Irving returns from injury.

“The Dallas Mavericks, trying to outplay everybody, they think they’re the smartest guy in the world and they realize it’s just basketball,” Barkley said. “They need a point guard. First of all, Cooper Flagg, he only has two carries. That tells me why he only has two carries, because they made him try to start the offense. Start D’Angelo Russell until Kyrie comes back.”

“These guys always want to act like, let’s reinvent the wheel. Man, that’s basketball, you push it and then you run a half-court offense,” Barkley continued. “I don’t know what they’re doing. They haven’t even put Cooper Flagg in a position to be successful.”

Charles Barkley is looking for a role change for Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg

How was it an inconsistent debut for Mavericks star in Flaghe would total 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting from the field, along with 10 rebounds and a steal, as he was -29 from the floor with three turnovers. Barkley would continue the conversation, saying Flagg shouldn’t be a point guard and “passes the ball to guys who aren’t as good as him.”

“He’s not a point guard, he’s never played a point guard in his life, he’s a great passer, but he’s a hell of a basketball player,” Barkley said. “Other than Anthony Davis, he passes the ball to guys who aren’t as good as him.

Either way, it was just one game as Dallas and Flagg look to bounce back, and the team’s next game is Friday night against the Washington Wizards.