Mavs’ Cooper Flagg’s sole rookie ‘hole’ still outperformed LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Michael Jordan

Mavs’ Cooper Flagg’s sole rookie ‘hole’ still outperformed LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Michael Jordan originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg turned in one of the most complete debut seasons in recent NBA history, averaging 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists on his way to Rookie of the Year. Only one part of his game drew consistent scrutiny all year.

That one weakness is his three-point shooting has now been put into historical context, and the numbers suggest fans have little reason to worry.

Cooper Flagg’s rookie shooting numbers beat NBA legends

The comparison first circulated this offseason, breaking down Flagg’s 29.5 percent mark from three against several Hall of Fame rookie seasons.

Flagg shot 29.5 percent from deep on 244 attempts as a rookie, a mark that topped LeBron James’ 29.0 percent and Kevin Durant’s 28.8 percent in their own first seasons. Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki has downplayed any concerns about the number since before the season even ended.

“Nobody here in Dallas is worried about his 3-ball,” Nowitzki said. “I think that is something that can come. Quick fun fact: My rookie season, I shot 20.6 percent from three, and it ended up being OK.” Flagg’s overall production still helped him win Rookie of the Year in a close race.

Flagg averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists across 70 games while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 82.7 percent from the free-throw line. His three-point efficiency improved in stretches later in the season, especially after he turned 19 in December.

How Flagg’s full rookie season actually compares to legends

Michael Jordan shot just 17.3 percent from three as a rookie, and Jason Kidd sat at 27.2 percent, underscoring how common a shaky rookie jumper has been among eventual superstars throughout league history. Elsewhere around the league, the Lakers‘ pursuit of Mavericks guard Klay Thompson has hit a discouraging update this offseason, a storyline that continues to shape Dallas’ roster around Flagg.

Kyrie Irving’s own situation has also stayed part of the Mavericks’ conversation this summer, with Antonio Brown recently pressing Stephen A. Smith over past comments involving Irving. Analysts reviewing Dallas’ full roster still see real questions about whether the current group can reach the playoffs even with Flagg’s continued growth and development.

Flagg won’t turn 20 until December, and his shooting numbers already trended upward as the season progressed. If history with LeBron and Durant is any indication, his three-point shot may end up being the least of Dallas’ concerns.

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