Cooper Flagg's ascent draws strong early praise from Matt Barnes, who lauds his energy, defensive versatility, and improving jumper. Dallas's veteran-led environment could maximize his growth, but Barnes warns the franchise must raise its standards and deliver a playoff path to avoid stalling development and inviting uncomfortable questions. The piece frames a high-stakes debut where the rookie's impact hinges on organizational patience, coaching, and a clear plan to translate hype into real minutes and defensive leadership.