Overview

• Center Dereck Lively II said he has been in Flagg’s ear since the summer to smooth the rookie’s transition and reinforce that the team has his back.
• Flagg acknowledged getting sped up on offense and said he must trust the spacing and the coaches, while maintaining that individual awards will follow team success.
• Klay Thompson and Jason Kidd praised Flagg’s engagement and competitiveness throughout the Vancouver training camp at Simon Fraser University.
• An NBA-posted practice clip showing Flagg blocking teammates highlighted his early defensive impact in team sessions.
• Dallas opens the preseason Monday at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, with another showcase set for Oct. 15 against the Lakers in Las Vegas.