Cooper Flagg Settles in as Top Pick Debuts in Dallas

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    DALLAS — Cooper Flagg took the stage at a bustling Dallas press conference with confidence, not waiting for Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison to introduce him as the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft. “Hello,” Flagg said, right as the clock turned noon on Friday. This marked the introduction of the 18-year-old former Duke standout, merely two days after he was welcomed by Commissioner Adam Silver on the stage in Brooklyn.

    During the event, Flagg acknowledged the legacy left by European stars Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic. Doncic, a generational talent, was involved in a trade back in February, before the Mavericks defied the odds with only a 1.8% chance to secure the top draft lottery position, ultimately landing Flagg as their franchise’s new cornerstone.

    Flagg, honored as the Associated Press men’s college player of the year, quickly noted his fondness for Mexican cuisine and barbecue, a question commonly posed to newcomers in Texas. He effortlessly listed his NBA and WNBA Mount Rushmores. His NBA selections were Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant, while his WNBA picks included Candace Parker, Brittney Griner, A’ja Wilson, and Caitlin Clark, whom he acclaimed for her transformative influence on the game.

    Joining a stellar ensemble, Flagg will play alongside NBA champions Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Klay Thompson. Although Irving, a fellow Duke alumnus, will not be on the court with Flagg until possibly January due to recovery from a torn ACL, expectations are high for the Mavericks to make a playoff comeback. The team previously fell short in 2025, following their NBA Finals appearance under Irving and Doncic.

    Including third-year player Dereck Lively II, another Duke alumnus with ties to Flagg, the Mavericks are optimistic about a stable environment for their new prospect. “He’s very lucky to have veterans, future Hall of Famers,” said coach Jason Kidd, a Hall of Famer himself, as he reflected on Flagg’s favorable position compared to many top picks embroiled in team rebuilds.

    Flagg’s journey to Dallas was alongside Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont and their families. At the practice facility near American Airlines Center, they were joined by Mark Cuban. Although Cuban sold his majority stake to the Adelson and Dumont families 18 months ago, he remains involved as an alternate governor. Also present were Mavericks legends like Mark Aguirre, the inaugural No. 1 overall pick by Dallas in 1981, and Shawn Marion, a member of the championship-winning 2011 team.

    Rolando Blackman, who represented the team when they achieved their first-ever draft lottery win, was also present. Flagg was aware of the franchise’s rich heritage, acknowledging the path paved by Nowitzki, commemorated with a statue, and the void left by Doncic, which sparked fresh enthusiasm with Flagg’s arrival as the third one-and-done Duke player in recent team history.

    The 6-foot-9 Flagg approaches his new role with a growth mindset: “I’m coming in just trying to learn and trying to get better every single day,” he emphasized. “And I think if I can do that to the best of my ability, I think expectations and pressures that others put on me and our team, that will kind of work itself out. So I’m just trying to come in and be the best that I can be and just win at the highest level.”

    A fascinating aspect for the Mavericks will be determining Flagg’s position on the court, especially with a vacancy at point guard until Irving’s return. Coach Kidd humorously mentioned aspirations to test Flagg’s adaptability: “I want to put him at the point guard,” Kidd remarked from his seat beside Flagg and Harrison. “I want to make him uncomfortable and see how he reacts.”

    Despite the challenges ahead, Flagg’s first appearance as a Maverick in Dallas showed no signs of discomfort or unease.