Overview

• Dallas secured the No. 1 pick despite 1.8% odds and drafted Duke’s reigning AP National College Player of the Year, Cooper Flagg.
• In early preseason workouts under coach Jason Kidd, center Dereck Lively II has taken on a mentor role to help Flagg acclimate to the NBA.
• Analysts caution that the Mavericks’ championship push centered on Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis could restrict Flagg’s playing time.
• Experts urge Dallas to give Flagg room to fail during his rookie season, warning that excessive expectations may stall his long-term growth.
• A premature “Welcome to Dallas” graphic briefly appeared on the Mavericks’ official website, highlighting fan excitement for his arrival.