Cooper Flagg Hyped by Draymond Green Ahead of Warriors vs. Mavs Christmas Day Game

Ahead of their Christmas Day matchup, Dallas Mavericks star rookie Cooper Flagg received some high praise from Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green.

"I think Cooper Flagg is a stud," Green said during an appearance on ESPN's Inside the NBA. "One thing I can appreciate about him is that he does it on both ends of the floor. He's figuring it out offensively, how to get to his spots. And then defensively, he's to be reckoned with on the defensive side of the ball. I think Dallas got a bright future with Cooper Flagg, and it's been impressive to see. Some guys, it takes 20, 30, 40 games until you start seeing it. It took him about 10 games, and you've seen him round into form and playing great basketball."

Green attributes Flagg's recent ascent to him getting to play his natural position as a forward. The 19-year-old started his rookie season as the Mavs' primary point guard, and he struggled at times to be the team's lead ball-handler. Since Nov. 29, he's been averaging 25.1 points per game.

Dallas is entering Thursday's game with a 12-19 record, but Flagg's steady improvement has fueled optimism that the team could turn things around and contend for a spot in the playoffs.

Still, Green and the Warriors (15-15) are trying to hold onto their status as the NBA's last dynasty, so they will try to keep the rookie at bay during their Christmas Day matchup.