TITLE: Mavericks kick off Vancouver camp as rookie Cooper Flagg dives into first NBA workout
SLUG: mavericks-start-vancouver-camp-cooper-flagg-klay-thompson
CONTENT:
The Dallas Mavericks opened training camp Tuesday in Vancouver, giving No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg his first look at NBA-level practice.
The 18-year-old forward said the session served as a valuable gauge while he adjusts to professional speed and physicality. “It was a longer day, but fun to bang bodies and get in with the guys,” he told reporters.
Flagg added that he is trying to stay patient despite his excitement. “I’m ready and thrilled, but I want to take it step by step and enjoy every part of the process,” he said.
Jason Kidd stresses early habits
Head coach Jason Kidd described the opening workout as energetic and communicative. “Day one was great,” Kidd noted. “The energy and talk were high. We’re building championship habits and encouraging player-to-player conversations.”
Klay Thompson provides veteran spark
Klay Thompson, who joined Dallas as a free-agent addition, said a long offseason left him refreshed for the first practice. “It felt great to see an almost complete roster competing,” the guard said. He emphasized setting a relentless tone, urging teammates to “push through adversity, play when tired and be relentless in chasing goals.”
Thompson praised Flagg for participating in every drill. “I don’t care about missed shots or mistakes; the fact he never sat out impressed me,” he remarked.
Star-studded introduction for Flagg
Sharing the floor with established names such as Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving and Thompson felt “surreal,” Flagg admitted. “I was a big fan watching Klay during the Warriors’ run, so it’s cool to be on the same team.”
The Mavericks will remain in Vancouver through the week before returning to Dallas for preseason games. Flagg, making his first trip to Canada, called the setting “beautiful” and said it has made his initial NBA experience even more memorable.
Source: Hoops Wire
