Cooper Flagg’s path to becoming the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft seemed inevitable from the start. While other elite prospects like Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey brought their own impressive skill sets to the table, something about Flagg separated him from the pack.
That difference, according to former NBA veteran Jim Jackson, comes down to one crucial factor that could make all the difference in Dallas.
What Makes Cooper Flagg Different From Ace Bailey?
Jackson, who spent 14 seasons in the NBA, including a stint with the Dallas Mavericks from 1992 to 1997, broke down exactly what sets Flagg apart during his appearance on “Podcast P with Paul George.” Having watched Flagg extensively during his college career, Jackson identified the key difference between the top prospects.
“I had a chance to cover him in college, caught him when they played at Madison Square Garden against St. John’s, and then again during the tournament,” Jackson said. “So I really got to watch him play. Man, he’s nice. But you know what really separates him? It’s his motor. That’s the difference between him and Ace Bailey when people were debating who’s the best.”
The motor Jackson referenced goes beyond just effort or energy. It represents Flagg’s relentless approach to impacting winning, even when the ball isn’t in his hands. This quality becomes even more significant when considering how he’ll fit alongside established stars in Dallas. Jackson expanded on this point, highlighting how Flagg’s unselfish nature actually makes him more valuable to a contending team.
“Skill-wise, they’re right there with each other, both can go, but Cooper’s motor is on a whole different level. And he doesn’t need the ball to impact the game. Coach Jon Scheyer even said he’s too unselfish sometimes, that he has to push him to shoot more and be aggressive, because that’s just not how Cooper is wired.”
How Will Flagg’s Skillset Translate to the Mavericks?
Jackson’s analysis becomes particularly relevant when considering Dallas’s current roster construction. The Mavericks already have established offensive weapons, which means Flagg won’t need to carry the scoring load immediately. Instead, his ability to contribute without dominating the ball makes him an ideal complement to the team’s existing stars.
“That mentality is why I think he’ll fit perfectly with Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson, and the rest of those guys,” Jackson noted. “He adds another layer of playmaking, can shoot, space the floor, run, and he’s athletic, all without needing to chase Rookie of the Year.”
This versatility addresses multiple needs for Dallas. Flagg’s shooting ability provides floor spacing, his playmaking adds another dimension to their offense, and his athleticism gives them flexibility on both ends of the court. Most importantly, his willingness to play within a system rather than demanding touches makes him NBA-ready from day one.
The comparison to Bailey becomes clearer through this lens. While Bailey possesses elite talent and could develop into a superstar with the Utah Jazz, his game might require more development time and touches to reach its full potential. Flagg’s immediate impact potential makes him more valuable to a team with championship aspirations. This explains why Dallas feels they struck gold in the draft lottery.
As Jackson put it, Dallas “captured the Flagg” and gained a prospect who can help them compete immediately while still possessing the upside to grow into something special.
