Duke Coach Jon Scheyer Boldly Projects Cooper Flagg’s Elite Scoring Ability Will Thrive With Dallas Mavericks in NBA Future

In the ever-evolving world of basketball, few talents have captivated the national spotlight before stepping foot on a college court the way Cooper Flagg has. The 6-foot-9 forward, known for his electrifying versatility, tenacity, and high IQ, is not only the consensus No. 1 player in the 2024 recruiting class but also the most anticipated Duke freshman since Zion Williamson. Yet, even before he dons the iconic Blue Devils jersey at Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer is already setting expectations that transcend college hoops — including a bold forecast about Flagg’s NBA potential, particularly as a future scoring threat with the Dallas Mavericks.

Scheyer, entering his third season as Duke’s head coach, has watched his share of elite prospects come through Durham. But in a recent sit-down interview with NBA and college scouts, he didn’t mince words about Flagg’s upside.

“Cooper has the tools, mentality, and instincts that make him special. I truly believe if he lands with a team like the Mavericks, he could be an immediate scoring weapon,” Scheyer said. “He doesn’t need the ball in his hands constantly to make an impact, but when he gets it — it’s trouble for the defense.”

That comment raised eyebrows, not because of the praise itself — scouts have been raving about Flagg since his sophomore year of high school — but because of the specificity. The Mavericks, led by Luka Dončić and now Kyrie Irving, are building a formidable team with aspirations of an extended championship window. And Scheyer believes Flagg’s fit within that context would be near-seamless.

“Cooper plays winning basketball. He cuts hard, moves without the ball, defends multiple positions, and finishes through contact,” Scheyer added. “Imagine a player like that next to a creator like Luka — he’ll feast off the gravity Luka generates.”

While Flagg has yet to play a single minute in college, he’s already shown through high-level exhibitions, FIBA tournaments, and prep highlights why he’s not just the best in his class, but potentially one of the best incoming prospects of the last decade. His ability to score at all three levels, coupled with his elite timing as a shot-blocker and advanced feel for the game, gives him a well-rounded package that seems ready-made for the NBA.

Scheyer pointed out that Flagg’s scoring ability isn’t just rooted in raw athleticism or height — it’s in the cerebral nature of his game.

“He’s a film junkie,” Scheyer said. “He studies guys like Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, and even some of the all-time greats like Larry Bird. He’s fascinated with finding ways to score without over-dribbling. He’s efficient.”

Indeed, Flagg’s scoring averages in high school don’t jump off the page like some other prep phenoms — but that’s by design. Flagg has consistently prioritized team success and making the right play over gaudy stat lines. Still, when the lights are bright and the stakes are high, he has a gear that few players at any level can reach. His 38-point, 16-rebound explosion at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam last year solidified him as a big-game player.

For the Mavericks — or any NBA team lucky enough to land the No. 1 pick in 2025 — Flagg offers not just potential but polish. And in Scheyer’s mind, he’s not a developmental piece; he’s a day-one contributor.

“Dallas already has two ball-dominant stars in Luka and Kyrie, so what they need is a connector — a guy who can space the floor, play defense, and score efficiently off the ball,” Scheyer said. “That’s Cooper.”

The idea of Flagg in a Mavericks uniform has already caught the attention of NBA analysts. Draft boards project Flagg as a lock to go No. 1 in the 2025 NBA Draft barring injury or unforeseen circumstances. And given Dallas’ current upward trajectory, it’s far from a guarantee they’ll be in the lottery. But in a league where trades and draft chaos are the norm, Scheyer’s Mavericks prediction is less about geography and more about basketball fit.

Flagg, who reclassified to the 2024 class to speed up his path to the NBA, has chosen Duke not just for its storied tradition but because of Scheyer’s development philosophy. The Blue Devils’ program under Scheyer has emphasized spacing, motion, and preparing players for the next level — a style that mirrors modern NBA offenses. That bodes well for Flagg’s transition.

“I think Duke is the perfect stepping stone for Cooper,” one NBA executive told reporters after the Team USA minicamp. “He’ll be allowed to make mistakes, learn, lead, and sharpen his game against top competition before jumping to the pros. That kind of environment can’t be overstated.”

Even more intriguing is the projection of Flagg playing a variety of roles — something Scheyer plans to showcase during the 2024-25 season.

“Some games you’ll see him at the three, others at the four or even as a small-ball five,” Scheyer explained. “That versatility is going to be his superpower in the NBA. I think it’ll unlock mismatches and scoring opportunities in bunches.”

As the basketball world gears up to witness Flagg’s debut in Durham, the buzz around his long-term potential is already spilling into NBA war rooms. Scouts are enamored with his motor and ability to affect the game in countless ways. But it’s that offensive prowess — subtle yet devastating — that could make him the centerpiece of an NBA offense.

For his part, Flagg remains humble. He’s not fueling the hype machine. Instead, he’s quietly working to refine his handle, increase his shooting range, and strengthen his frame for the grind ahead.

“I’ve always just focused on getting better every day,” Flagg said in a rare interview earlier this spring. “There’s a lot I need to improve. Playing at Duke is a huge honor, and I know Coach Scheyer is going to push me.”

Still, Scheyer’s projection of Flagg with the Mavericks is more than just idle speculation — it’s a coach who sees the blueprint. And in the case of Flagg, that blueprint is as complete and compelling as any in recent memory.

“Cooper’s ceiling? I don’t even think we know it yet,” Scheyer said with a smile. “But I do know this: if he ends up in Dallas, or any team that values movement, spacing, and winning — he’s going to be a star.”

As the countdown begins to Flagg’s freshman campaign and, inevitably, his NBA draft moment, the echoes of Scheyer’s prediction may only grow louder. From Duke’s hardwood to the bright lights of the NBA — and maybe even alongside Luka Dončić in Dallas — Cooper Flagg’s scoring journey is only just beginning.

One thing’s for certain: Jon Scheyer sees the future. And it wears blue and white — both Duke and possibly Dallas.