Cooper Flagg didn鈥檛 wait for Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison to break the silence at his introduction as the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, addressing the packed Dallas news conference promptly at noon on Friday.
At 18, the former Duke star appeared increasingly at ease just two days after being welcomed by Commissioner Adam Silver on stage in Brooklyn. Flagg showed respect for the legacy of European stars Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic, the latter of whom was traded in February. Despite just a 1.8% chance, the Mavs remarkably secured the potential new face of their franchise.
鈥淚鈥檓 just trying to come in and be the best I can be, and win at the highest level.鈥
Cooper Flagg on meeting lofty expectations ? pic.twitter.com/7yLHE0mBdo
鈥 NBA (@NBA) June 27, 2025
Flagg will join a roster that includes NBA champions Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Klay Thompson.
While fellow Duke alum Irving, a nine-time All-Star, is recovering from a torn ACL and may not play until January, the Mavericks are aiming for a playoff return after missing out in 2025. This follows their NBA Finals appearance the previous year, where they were defeated by Boston in five games.
Flagg was mindful of the franchise鈥檚 history when asked about following in the footsteps of Nowitzki, who has a statue outside the arena, and Doncic, whose departure deeply affected many Mavs fans. The arrival of Flagg, the third one-and-done Duke player for Dallas, has surely lifted their spirits.
鈥淚鈥檓 coming in just trying to learn and get better every single day,鈥 Flagg said. 鈥淚f I do that to the best of my ability, expectations and pressures will work themselves out. I鈥檓 just aiming to be the best I can be and win at the highest level.鈥
The 6-foot-9 Flagg鈥檚 position on the court is an intriguing topic, as the Mavericks will lack a point guard until Irving returns.
鈥淚 want to put him at point guard,鈥 said coach Jason Kidd, who sat beside Flagg with Harrison on his other side. 鈥淚 want to make him uncomfortable and see how he reacts.鈥
(with AP inputs)