No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg acknowledged that the Dallas Mavericks’ 24-52 record has taken a toll on him, calling the year “mentally taxing” during Wednesday’s appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. The 19-year-old forward, who lost only four games last season at Duke, said constant setbacks have muted the excitement of his first NBA campaign.
The rookie entered the season as part of a front-court pairing with Anthony Davis and expected to join forces with Kyrie Irving once the veteran guard returned from a torn ACL near the All-Star break. Instead, continued health issues pushed Dallas to trade Davis to Washington in February, while Irving’s comeback was moved to the fall.
Despite the turmoil, Flagg is averaging 20 points per game, joining just four other teenagers in league history to reach that mark. He remains locked in a close Rookie of the Year battle with former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel.
“We’ve had a lot of injuries and unfortunate things happen throughout the year,” Flagg said. “It’s not been ideal, but I’ve grown and had to learn on the fly.”
Mavs Seek Fresh Start After Cuban’s Luka Comments
Debate over last year’s Luka Dončić trade resurfaced Tuesday when former owner Mark Cuban said on a podcast, “That doesn’t justify it for our coach and our general manager to stand up and trade our best player.” Head coach Jason Kidd told reporters he phoned Cuban afterward but declined details, adding, “We have to move forward. We’re focused on the present and the future, and we’ve got an incredible opportunity to build.”
Williams Showcases Versatility Before Free Agency
Guard Brandon Williams scored 11 points in the first quarter and dished six assists in the second during Tuesday’s game, underscoring the expanded role he has assumed since Irving’s injury. The impending free agent said organizing the offense has become his top priority: “I have a Hall of Fame coach, so I’m picking his brain, seeing what he sees and molding that into my game.”
Front-Office Search Under Way
Chief executive officer Rick Welts told The Dallas Morning News he wants a new head of basketball operations in place before the draft. Welts also addressed Flagg’s development and Kidd’s status, though he offered no timetable for a decision on the coach’s future.
The Mavericks close the regular season this weekend still grappling with injuries, roster questions and an uncertain offseason strategy.
Source: HoopsRumors
