Overview

• Klay Thompson praised the No. 1 pick for competing in every drill on day one, highlighting his effort and receptiveness to coaching.
• Head coach Jason Kidd cited Flagg’s awareness and decision-making at 18, noting he made the right plays on and off the ball with high energy.
• With Kyrie Irving rehabbing an ACL injury, Dallas is leaning on veterans like Anthony Davis and Thompson while evaluating Flagg’s early role.
• Flagg set clear goals by targeting Rookie of the Year and emphasizing the team objective of winning a championship.
• Dereck Lively II will start the season on a minutes restriction, adding to the rotation calculus as outside voices compare Flagg’s situation to Tim Duncan’s and others question his readiness.