Cooper Flagg is starting to remind Rick Carlisle of another Dallas Mavericks superstar he once coached: Luka Doncic.
The Indiana Pacers head coach, who spent 13 seasons in Dallas, believes Flagg is following a similar development path to Doncic, particularly with the improvements both players made entering their second NBA seasons.
The comparison comes after Flagg exploded for 43 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals in Dallas’ 125-122 victory over Indiana on Monday.
Carlisle, who coached Doncic during his first three NBA seasons, pointed to the physical development and offensive versatility that make the two players so difficult to defend.
“It’s clear to me that Flagg has gotten stronger,” Carlisle said. “Luka got stronger his second year as well. There are some real similarities between the two players even though they are different, but they’re both doing it with great size, they make plays with the ball, they can score from anywhere on the floor, and they have a real physical impact on the game offensively.
“Luka is just so strong and Flagg is even stronger. Luka was a great rebounder, too, and I think Flagg is as well. There are similarities with those guys. They’re both great and are getting greater.”
Doncic averaged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6 assists during his rookie campaign before jumping to 28.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists in his second season.
Flagg is experiencing a similar rise, improving from 21 points and 4.5 assists as a rookie to 24 points and seven assists this season.
Carlisle believes the experience gained during a player’s first year is a major factor behind that development.
“Well, getting the experience of the first year under your belt, because both those guys were Rookie of the Year,” Carlisle said. “I presume that gives you a lot of confidence.
“And then they have a whole summer to build on that and can take all that equity that they’ve built up with their teammates — in the league — everything else to the following year.”
Carlisle also praised Flagg’s ability to handle the ball, create opportunities for teammates and control the offense despite his size.
With Doncic now playing for the Lakers, Flagg is establishing himself as Dallas’ next franchise centerpiece, and Carlisle clearly sees plenty of similarities between the two.
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