As the NBA regular season winds down, award season takes center stage. From MVP to All-NBA, players are poised to make history.
Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg has collected accolades since high school. With Rookie of the Year buzz growing, focus shifts to a member of his inner circle’s perspective on the recognition process.
Dallas Mavericks F Cooper Flagg’s Trainer Makes the Case for ROTY Award
While trainer Matt MacKenzie’s name may not ring too many bells, his top client’s name does. Flagg’s performance during his rookie campaign drew raves from media, players, and fans alike. Building on this recognition, MacKenzie sat down with Mark Medina from rg.org to discuss why he believes his client has the award well in hand.
“It’s his impact on both sides of the ball.”
Granted, what brings the focus to Flagg is that he averages 21.2 points per game. However, there is more to his impact than scoring. Behind those numbers is a second set of statistics that tells a deeper story. For instance, Flagg plays the passing lanes, deflecting passes, and taking control of the ball.
His 1.2 steals each night signify defensive acumen. While his .9 blocks per contest may not seem vital, it is important to remember that, as a small forward, Flagg is usually away from the paint on defense. Still, he finds ways to contest shots, whether on a jump shot or a layup attempt.
MacKenzie further underscores Flagg’s value to the Mavericks, emphasizing his impact not just this season but for the team’s future.
“It’s him having to match up against the opposing team’s best defender every single night. He’s sometimes seeing double and triple teams.”
After the franchise traded power forward Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in February, Flagg assumed the mantle of complete scoring responsibility. While Dallas has only won four games since the trade, Flagg continues to lead.
Looking at the Mavericks’ remaining roster doesn’t offer much in the way of consistent outside shooting. Guards Klay Thompson and Max Christie are the only regular rotational players who shoot at least 38.5% behind the three-point line. When Flagg catches the ball, looking to make a move, the defense collapses on him.
MacKenzie highlights Flagg’s success and delves into the depth of the challenges the rookie faces, illustrating the hurdles he has overcome.
“The scout that these other teams put in place for him, I feel like with the success that he’s had against that, that just speaks volumes.”
The Mavericks own a 25-54 record, far out of the playoffs, and are looking at another lottery pick. According to Tankathon, Dallas is projected to possess the No. 7 pick in June’s draft. Despite this, teams tend to double-team Flagg and flow the defense toward him. Under those circumstances, MacKenzie believes that Flagg’s performance still merits the Rookie of the Year award.
“You’ve seen him lead his team now in several major statistical categories. He has put his name in the history books in so many different areas.”
On April 3, against the Orlando Magic, at 19 years and 103 days, Flagg became the youngest NBA player to score 50 points. In addition to this milestone, he leads the team in points and steals, while ranking high in rebounds and assists. Given these achievements, can Flagg win the award?
