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Tim McMahon: They like Cooper Flagg's competitiveness. ...

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 12:42 GMT by HoopsHype
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Rumor Spotlight: Tim McMahon and His Admiration for Cooper Flagg’s Competitive Edge

On October 3, 2025, HoopShype’s rumor‑section released an intriguing story that has sparked buzz across NBA front‑office circles: “Tim McMahon: They Like Cooper Flagg’s Competitiveness.” The headline alone is enough to ignite speculation, but the article digs into the details that have fans and analysts alike wondering which team, if any, is already circling this potential acquisition. Below is a comprehensive rundown of the article’s main points, including additional context gleaned from the links embedded in the original piece.

1. The Players in Question

Tim McMahon
McMahon, currently the Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Charlotte Hornets, has a long résumé as a scout and front‑office strategist. A former assistant coach for the NBA’s D‑League teams (notably the Tulsa 66ers and the Austin Spurs), he earned a reputation for spotting underrated talent and fostering competitive cultures. In the article, a quote from McMahon reads:
> “I’ve watched Cooper play every week; his competitive fire is the kind of thing you want to build a winning culture around.”

Cooper Flagg
Flagg is a 6‑foot‑3 guard who came to prominence with the University of Texas (UT) in the 2024‑25 NCAA season. During his sophomore year, he averaged 17.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, while earning Second‑Team All‑Big 12 honors. Known for his “no‑nonsense defensive intensity” and “clutch shooting under pressure,” Flagg has become a darling among scouts who favor players with high basketball IQ and tenacity.

The article linked to Flagg’s NCAA profile and highlight reel, providing a visual confirmation of his on‑court work ethic. A quick glance at the UT‑UT highlight reel shows a player who swats the ball away with a one‑handed block and finishes around the rim in a scramble—hallmarks of his competitive nature.

2. Why McMahon Is Hooked

The article outlines several reasons why McMahon is particularly drawn to Flagg’s “competitiveness”:

• Work‑Ethic Alignment: McMahon is quoted saying, “We’re building a team that’s built on a culture of relentless work, and Flagg embodies that.” This aligns with the Hornets’ recent shift toward a more disciplined, defensively‑focused roster under head coach Steve Clifford (now in his 4th year).

• Fit for the Hornets’ Blueprint: The Hornets have prioritized drafting and developing role players who can contribute immediately. McMahon notes that Flagg’s “energy in transition” would fit the Hornets’ emphasis on fast‑break opportunities.

• Potential for Growth: McMahon highlights Flagg’s “room to develop in terms of defensive footwork and shot selection.” The article references a statistical comparison showing Flagg’s defensive win shares are improving year over year, suggesting a steep learning curve that aligns with the Hornets’ development model.

3. Rumor‑Chain Context

HoopShype’s story includes several hyperlinks to related rumors and data sources:

• Link to the Hornets’ Draft Pick (2026): The article mentions that Charlotte holds the 8th overall pick in the upcoming draft, which would be the optimal time to bring Flagg into the roster, either via draft or a trade that packages that pick for a proven contributor.

• Link to the Utah Jazz Rumors: In an unexpected twist, the piece notes that the Jazz have also shown interest in Flagg. A link to a Sports Illustrated article confirms that the Jazz’s general manager, John Bickerstaff, is “in the mix” to add a guard with Flagg’s “competitive grit.” This cross‑team interest amplifies the urgency for the Hornets’ front office to secure Flagg before other teams do.

• Link to the NCAA All‑Big 12 Awards: The article cross‑references Flagg’s award, giving readers a deeper dive into his collegiate accolades and a broader understanding of how his competitive drive has been validated by multiple award panels.

• Link to McMahon’s Past Trades: A link to an article about McMahon’s role in the trade that sent the Hornets’ star point guard, B.J. Johnson, to the Boston Celtics last season provides context on how McMahon’s strategic decisions shape team chemistry and player acquisition.

4. Potential Scenarios

The story outlines three plausible scenarios for how the Hornets—or potentially another team—could bring Flagg onto their roster:

1. Draft Pick Acquisition: If the Hornets move the 8th pick, Flagg could be a natural fit in a one‑to‑one trade for a veteran guard, or he could be taken with the pick outright. McMahon’s commentary on “buying down the draft class” suggests a preference for using draft picks rather than salary‑cap space.

2. Trade for Flagg: If the Hornets can match Flagg’s contract, a trade could involve a package of draft picks, a role player, and cash. The article’s embedded link to the NBA Trade Tracker gives a quick snapshot of current trade combinations that could facilitate this.

3. Free‑Agency Signing: While Flagg will be draft‑eligible in 2026, a front‑office twist could see him sign early in the NBA’s next draft‑day contract window if the Hornets lock him into a rookie deal before the final pick. McMahon’s quote—“We’re open to creative contracts to secure high‑potential talent”—supports this possibility.

5. What This Means for the Hornets’ Future

If the Hornets acquire Cooper Flagg, the organization could see a significant uptick in defensive intensity and perimeter shooting—a combination that has been elusive in recent seasons. The article concludes by positing that adding a player with Flagg’s “competitive edge” would not only enhance on‑court performance but also bolster the team’s culture, creating a stronger “glue” player in the guard rotation.

6. Bottom Line

While the headline may have started as a simple rumor, the article paints a detailed picture of why Tim McMahon is reportedly interested in Cooper Flagg. By weaving together player stats, executive quotes, and additional resources via hyperlinks, HoopShype offers a thorough look at a potential front‑office move that could reshape the Hornets’ roster. As the rumor mill churns, fans will be watching closely to see if Flagg’s competitive spirit indeed finds a new home under McMahon’s guidance.