Flagg welcomes Mavericks depth as debut nears; Gafford doubtful, Nembhard and Washington prepared
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No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg will open his NBA career in an uncommon situation for a top selection: surrounded by an established roster. The 19-year-old forward said Dallas’s veteran depth eases the pressure as he prepares for Wednesday’s regular-season opener against the Spurs.
“We’re a really deep team, so that kind of takes the pressure off of me,” Flagg told the Dallas Morning News. “I can just be myself and help this team win as much as I can.” He added that the night marks “the start of a great season and great journey” and believes the club “has a really good chance to be successful.”
Head coach Jason Kidd may be without projected starting center Daniel Gafford, who is listed as doubtful because of a right ankle sprain. Gafford has been ramping up activity after missing the entire preseason, and Kidd initially expected him to be questionable before the official injury report was filed.
Undrafted guard Ryan Nembhard, who earned praise during the exhibition schedule, is expected to make his NBA debut in the rotation on a two-way contract. “He’s steady, understands how to play,” Kidd said. “Ryan is a point guard who has set the table in every rotation spot we’ve used him.”
Forward P.J. Washington, a full-time starter the past two years, said he will accept whatever role Kidd assigns. “It doesn’t matter if I’m starting or coming off the bench,” Washington noted. “For me it’s all about winning.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
