Top NBA pick Cooper Flagg joins Mavericks

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    In a highly anticipated move, Cooper Flagg has become the latest addition to the Dallas Mavericks, having been picked first in the NBA draft. Taking the stage as a Duke forward, Mavericks fans are optimistic that Flagg will become the franchise’s next standout player, hoping he will fill the void left after the departure of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this year. While Doncic’s trade on February 1st sparked outrage, with some fans considering abandoning the team, those who remained faithful are expected to quickly embrace Flagg due to his impressive college performance.

    Flagg contributed significantly to Duke’s success by averaging 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds during the season, ultimately leading the team to the Final Four. As he transitions to the NBA, Flagg will be moving to Dallas, proudly wearing jersey No. 32, a number previously donned by Duke alumni Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II, who remain on the Mavericks’ roster.

    Expressing his enthusiasm about joining the Mavericks, Flagg remarked, “I’m really excited. I think I keep saying I’m excited to be a sponge, to get down there and just learn, be surrounded by Hall of Fame-caliber guys and just to be able to learn from them. It’s going to be an incredible experience.” Flagg’s selection marks a significant milestone for Maine, particularly Newport, his hometown, where celebrations erupted as the 18-year-old forward reached this new chapter in his athletic career.

    In response to his selection, Flagg expressed gratitude towards his home state, saying, “It means a lot to me to have the support of the whole state. I know how many people showed up today and supported me at some of the draft parties back home. It feels amazing knowing I can inspire younger kids. I was in their shoes really not that long ago, so just to know I can give those kids those feelings and have the whole state behind me, it means a lot.”

    Flagg joins an esteemed list of Duke players drafted at No. 1, including Elton Brand, Kyrie Irving, Zion Williamson, and Paolo Banchero. This year’s draft returned to its usual pattern, with the first pick being a one-and-done college player for the first time since Banchero in 2022. Prior to Flagg, the previous two No. 1 picks were international talents from France, namely Victor Wembanyama and Zaccherie Risacher.

    Following Flagg was Rutgers freshman Dylan Harper, who was chosen by the San Antonio Spurs with the second pick. Harper is eager to make his mark, aspiring to continue the trend of Spurs players claiming the NBA Rookie of the Year title. Harper, son of former NBA guard Ron Harper, confidently stated, “It’s definitely a goal of mine to make it three in a row. I think the coaching staff and the players are going to make it easy for me to go out there and showcase my talent, so definitely.”

    The Philadelphia 76ers made their move by selecting Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe with the third pick, drawing loud cheers from enthusiastic fans at the event in Brooklyn. While the first two selections were largely anticipated, the third pick introduced some intrigue. In another notable selection, the Charlotte Hornets chose Kon Knueppel, making him the second Duke player selected within the top four picks.

    Meanwhile, Khaman Maluach was chosen as the 10th pick by the Houston Rockets, though his rights will be traded to the Phoenix Suns as part of a deal involving Kevin Durant, which is expected to be completed next month. This marked three Duke players appearing in the top 10, reinforcing Duke’s standing as a breeding ground for top-tier basketball talent, surpassing 50 first-round picks since 1989.

    Elsewhere in the draft, Ace Bailey went fifth to the Utah Jazz after declining to work out for the 76ers, concluding a highly scrutinized draft process. Bailey expressed relief, saying, “I’m glad it’s over. I’m ready to play some basketball now.”

    Other notable selections included Tre Johnson to the Washington Wizards at No. 6, Jeremiah Fears to the New Orleans Pelicans at No. 7, and Egor Demin to the Brooklyn Nets at No. 8. Collin Murray-Boyles followed at No. 9, heading to the Toronto Raptors. Additionally, the Brooklyn Nets were active in the draft, acquiring multiple players, including Nolan Traore of France and North Carolina’s Drake Powell following complex trade arrangements.

    In moves involving mid-round college basketball stars, the Oklahoma City Thunder picked Georgetown’s Thomas Sorber at No. 15 before trading their 24th pick for future prospects. New Orleans acquired Derik Queen in a swap for Asa Newell with the Atlanta Hawks. In another trade, Walter Clayton Jr., honoured as the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, was initially drafted by Washington but traded to Utah for Will Riley’s rights.

    The draft continues into the second night at Barclays Center. All players invited to the green room were selected in the first round, with UConn’s Liam McNeeley being the final selection at No. 19, whose rights were traded to Charlotte.