Chicago Bulls legend Ron Harper defended No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg amid the Mavericks forward’s NBA Rookie of the Year battle with his son, Dylan Harper. On Sunday, Harper called out Flagg’s “haters” after a parody account on X named “NBA Tour Dates” mocked the former Duke star’s performance against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.
Flagg managed 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one steal in the 122-110 loss, but shot a measly 3-for-14 and 2-for-6 from deep. After seeing his lowlight reel going viral, Harper wrote:
“Give the kid a chance you haters”
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Cooper Flagg, 18, has had a rough start to his NBA career, especially in comparison with other top picks like Dylan Harper. The Mavericks have played him out of position as the starting point guard. Flagg has averaged 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists on 37.3% shooting, including 28.6%.
His NBA Rookie of the Year stock continues to plummet due to his lack of production and inefficiency, despite flashes of his superstar potential. Flagg is also handed the most responsibility of any player in his draft class on a hobbled Mavericks team.
Dallas began the season without Kyrie Irving, who is recovering from an ACL surgery. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis is set to miss his second game on Monday against the Houston Rockets with a calf injury.
Dylan Harper suffers injury setback, could hinder NBA Rookie of the Year race against Cooper Flagg and others
No. 2 pick Dylan Harper’s latest injury setback can derail his NBA Rookie of the Year campaign. On Sunday, Harper left the game against the Phoenix Suns in the second quarter with a calf injury. He reportedly left the arena in a walking boot and crutches, hinting that he could miss significant time.
Harper had averaged 14.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 4.6 apg in five games before facing the Suns. He was on course to have his best game yet, tallying 12 points in 11 minutes of action on 62.5% shooting.
Dylan Harper may even have forced a comeback for the Spurs, who lost the game 130-118 after a woeful night for star Victor Wembanyama. The 7-foot-5 MVP candidate finished with nine points and nine rebounds, shooting 4 of 14 as the Spurs’ historical winning streak ended at five games.
Harper was widely in the top three in the Rookie of the Year race with V.J. Edgecombe and Cedric Coward as his closest competitors after the first week. He was closing the gap on Edgecombe, but that will be delayed for now.
As for Cooper Flagg, he barely kept his place alive in the top five and now has a chance to make a push due to Harper’s injury setback.
Edited by Arhaan Raje
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