With Luka Dončić leaving Dallas when he went to the Los Angeles Lakers this yr, the Mavericks want to search out the subsequent successor who would be the face of the franchise. Cooper Flagg is predicted to be the No. 1 draft choose, and the Texas-based workforce will not waste any possibilities to unleash his potential.
That ill-fated commerce shocked all NBA followers and angered Mavericks followers. Protesters marched exterior the American Airlines Center, fervently chanting “Fire Nico”, the title of basic supervisor Nico Harrison.
Flagg Becomes the Symbol of Hope After Luka Dončić Trade Fallout
Despite the criticism, the Mavericks acquired an uncommon lifeline within the type of the NBA Draft Lottery, by which they picked up the extremely prized No. 1 choose. With this feature, Dallas can draft Cooper Flagg, a high-profile prospect already thought-about a possible future famous person.
According to Sports Illustrated, Flagg, nevertheless, is unfazed by the looming comparisons to Dončić. Speaking to reporters only a day earlier than the draft, he made it clear that he is targeted on his personal growth fairly than making an attempt to interchange anybody.
“I wouldn’t look at anything as pressure. I’m not worried about living up to certain players’ expectations or things like that. I’m just going to be myself and really try to get better every single day that I can,” Flagg stated forward of the 2025 NBA draft.
Cooper Flagg on the prospect of following Luka Doncic on the Dallas Mavericks: “I wouldn’t look at anything as pressure. … I’m not worried about living up to certain players’ expectations or things like that. I’m just going to be myself and try to get better every day.” pic.twitter.com/uvslnjy9xD
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) June 24, 2025
His cool angle has additionally caught on with the media and Mavericks personnel. Even earlier than draft night, Flagg’s arrival has rejuvenated the group, each in spirit and in commerce.
Cooper Flagg’s Arrival Already Making Business Impact in Dallas
Off the radar, Flagg’s doable arrival has fueled the Mavs’ entrance workplace and made the franchise commercially bounce again.
According to a workforce government talking with ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, the workforce witnessed an unprecedented enhance in ticket purchases and sponsorships after their draft lottery win.
The workforce supply stated that they offered $8 million of latest season tickets within the three days after the lottery. Apart from that, they famous that they signed two new sponsorship offers. One of them is regarded to be the second-largest in workforce historical past.
Expectations High, But Flagg Stays Grounded
Though Cooper Flagg himself doesn’t essentially really feel the strain, the strain is definitely sky-high. Fans count on him to become the brand new franchise face, taking over the position of a frontrunner that replaces the gargantuan void left by Dončić.
Even so, Flagg’s demeanor stays set and steadfast. He is aware of the burden with the projected No. 1 general choose, but he is not letting exterior noise get in the best way of his progress.
The Mavericks‘ perception in Flagg signifies a long-term technique, a rebuild round a generational participant who has elite-level expertise, a mature psychological strategy, and limitless potential. Dallas hopes to make use of him as the brand new weapon alongside Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.
Behind Flagg, the San Antonio Spurs are anticipated to draft Rutgers guard Dylan Harper because the No. 2 general choose.
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