07-19-2026, 04:12 PM
(07-19-2026, 03:52 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: I don't say this much around here, because this board has a way of jumping down people's throats for opinions they'd prefer didn't exist, but...I don't think Flagg is anywhere remotely close to transcendent as an offensive engine. Not yet, at least. I think his potential transcendent value lies in being an uncommonly effective player on both ends of the court, and sure...given enough time and runway I think his offensive role could be offensive engine, but very likely that will come with a lessening of what he offers on the other end. I'm not super thrilled about taking his career in that direction, and I'm hopeful that's not the way we're headed.
But, even if that is where they're headed with him...think about how long it took guys like LeBron or Luka to hit their strides in roles like that. He's 19. I'm in no rush.
I think it's very possible that the next great Mavs "offensive engine" isn't on the roster yet. I wouldn't bet my life on it or anything, but I'm just saying - Flagg doesn't scream "ready to win now" to me just yet. We'll see what he's figured out over the summer very soon, and it seems like he's going to have a lot more space in which to operate, which is obviously helpful.
Its a reasonable take. Also why - if they get there - probably wont get far in the playoffs where the game slows down even more drastically than in a close regular season crunch time. Having Kyrie back will help a lot but it wont be the same as in the short Kyrie and Luka era. Or Dirk obviously.
Coop will for sure put up insane numbers and at the very least make the allstar game. But I think it will be a while until he becomes the dump it to him he will get you over the line-type like Dirk / Luka. If he ever gets there. We have been insanely spoiled with those two in that regard. Guys like KG or AD never were that type of engine and still are viewed as alltime greats.
That’s why I hope SO SO much that they will find a way to salvage the relationship with Dirk and Luka and bring the latter home one day. Luka and Copper would the epitome of both worlds, a durable two way stud with an insane motor and the finesse late game wizard who can make every read / play / insane shot.