Cooper Flagg to play point guard in 2025-26 season, coach reveals

Cooper Flagg will spend the 2025-26 NBA season playing point guard for the Boston Celtics, coach Dusty May confirmed on 17 July 2026.

What did the coach say?

Coach Dusty May told reporters that Flagg will operate anywhere from point guard 1 through point guard 4 this season. May pointed to Flagg’s 2025-26 growth as a playmaker when the ball stayed in his hands last year. We gotta get him more space and I think he’ll shoot more threes, May added.

Why does Flagg’s role matter now?

Flagg’s expanded point-guard usage comes after a rookie campaign where he logged significant minutes at lead guard. The move aims to leverage his court vision and shooting gravity, two traits May wants to sharpen further. Flagg’s ability to initiate offense could ease pressure on Boston’s veteran guards and open driving lanes for teammates.

What changes for Flagg’s game?

May’s plan pushes Flagg into more shot-creation duties, including pick-and-roll initiation and secondary playmaking. The staff also wants to dial up his three-point volume, building on a rookie year that saw him connect on 36 percent from deep. Extra spacing should let Flagg attack closeouts and exploit switches, two areas May flagged as growth targets.

What’s next for the Celtics?

Boston’s rotation picture hinges on Flagg’s development under May’s system. The Celtics will test Flagg at multiple guard spots in summer league and training camp, with an eye on playoff rotation roles. If Flagg’s handle and decision-making tighten, he could slide into a sixth-man or primary playmaker role by midseason.