Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg has an early leg up on most No. 1 overall draft picks because he is joining a veteran team ready to compete in the Western Conference. With the former Duke Blue Devil joining future Hall-of-Famer Anthony Davis, one of the game’s all-time great shooters in Klay Thompson, and one of the league’s elite point guards in Kyrie Irving, expectations are on the way back up in Dallas.
The exact date of Irving’s return from the torn ACL he suffered last season remains unclear. Still, with Flagg joining a team of veteran, proven winners, he can ease his way into the league and not have the same type of pressure, at least in terms of individual performance, as some other top picks have had in the past.
Cooper Flagg Impressing Klay Thompson?
After the Mavericks’ first practice three weeks ago, Thompson had high praise for Flagg’s debut. “Cooper did great,” Thompson said. Flagg’s work ethic really stood out to Thompson.
“I’m most impressed that he did not sit out one drill,” Thompson explained. “I don’t care how many shots he misses or how many mistakes he makes. The fact that he’s in there and he’s competing every single drill, that’s what impresses me.” Thompson’s work ethic is well-known, so hearing talk like that from someone who has been there before is high praise.
What Does Klay Thompson Want to Help Cooper Flagg Accomplish?
Thompson joined the Mavericks before last season in hopes of adding another ring to his collection.
Thompson’s first year in Dallas didn’t go as planned. He averaged 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, shooting 41.2% from the field and 39.1% from three. The Mavericks struggled through the season and lost in the play-in tournament, failing to reach the postseason just a year after appearing in the Finals.
Although the Mavericks look very different than the team Thompson joined after acquiring Davis in a shocking deal that sent superstar Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers last season, expectations for Thompson haven’t changed.
His expectations for Flagg are through the roof as well. “I want a ring bro,” Thompson said. “Trying to get Coop on that list with Magic [Johnson] and Bill Russell…”
Flagg has also been impressed with the way Thompson has treated him and his younger teammates. “Klay [has] been treating me well,” Flagg said. “He’s a great vet. Been giving us books, knowledge, wisdom. Great vet, man.”
Thompson, Flagg, and the Mavericks will get their season underway on Wednesday night when they host the San Antonio Spurs. Tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m. ET and will air on ESPN.
