Before the Dallas Mavericks face the Golden State Warriors on Monday, Cooper Flagg was putting in extra work, and he had a good teacher.
Video from shootaround showed Flagg working alongside Khris Middleton on post-up technique, a glimpse at the kind of day-to-day development that goes beyond what’s seen during games.
Middleton has provided a veteran presence that Flagg can learn from on a daily basis since the Mavericks acquired the veteran forward in a midseason trade headlined by Anthony Davis with the Washington Wizards.
“I just lean on my teammates, the guys who have had long careers and been in the league a long time,” Flagg said after Saturday’s overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. “They’ve helped keep me sane through this entire process, for sure.”
Middleton, a 14-year veteran and three-time All-Star, is one of the more polished low-post forwards in the league. In 19 games with Dallas this season, he has averaged 11.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 41.6% from the floor, 39.7% from 3-point range, and 90.9% from the free throw line. He’s become a frequent option for Dallas to attack mismatches in the post.
Head coach Jason Kidd shared that Middleton was showing Flagg how to release pressure in the post. Middleton is often meticulous not only in navigating the defender guarding him to create advantages, but also in reading the help defense to find the right moment to attack.
“They were just talking about the pressure and knowing how to release pressure,” Kidd said. “Khris has given him some of his wisdom of what he has used to be successful down there in the post. For Khris, his wisdom — he’s a champion, he’s played the game at the highest level. For him to spend time with Cooper and help him as he goes forward.”
De’Anthony Melton, who watched a similar dynamic from the other side at Warriors shootaround Monday, noted what that veteran presence can mean.
“Having veterans is huge. This league can wear on you, so having guys who’ve been through it gives you someone to lean on,” Melton said. “It’s important to have the right vets in the locker room — guys who can guide you through challenges.”
Flagg has already shown a developing post game at 6-foot-9, taking advantage of smaller defenders after Dallas draws a switch. Through 59 games, he is averaging 20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, converting 46.9% from the field. He’s scored in double figures 57 times and demonstrated the ability to get buckets in a variety of ways — something Warriors guard Melton acknowledged at shootaround.
“He’s a big, physical player who competes hard,” Melton said. “When he attacks the rim, he’s getting there. He’s got a solid mid-range game and can score at all three levels.”
Becoming a dominant post scorer would make Flagg considerably harder to guard. Monday’s shootaround suggested that work is already underway.
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