The Cooper Flagg sweepstakes was won by GM Nico Harrison's Dallas Mavericks this past Monday, giving the Mavs a chance to replace departed superstar Luka Doncic with a player who led his team in virtually all statistical categories this past season.
Flagg, the former Duke Blue Devils prodigy and projected number one overall pick, is expected to be the prize after the lottery night ping pong balls bounced the Mavericks' way.
On Wednesday, LeBron James' famous agent Rich Paul joined The Pat McAfee Show to share his thoughts about the tantalizing potential of Paul joining the Mavericks, which he said would give him time to blossom in a healthy way at the NBA level.
Cooper Flagg shoots during the NBA combine.
Cooper Flagg shoots at the NBA combine in Chicago.
© David Banks-Imagn Images
"Cooper Flagg guaranteed number one overall pick is kind of what everybody is saying, how do you view him as an NBA prospect?" McAfee asked Paul. "And what are your thoughts on people saying, maybe the Mavs trade this number one overall pick to get another megastar?"
"No, I think there's definitely no trade, I think the Mavs take him, and I think it's the right thing for the kid," Paul said.
"Obviously there's teams there that would love to have him, but I think when you look at Cooper Flagg, look at where he's at today, his ability to develop next to guys like AD (Anthony Davis) and (Dereck) Lively and also playing with Kyrie once he's back, I think it helps him," Paul said, adding that going to the Mavs would give Flagg a chance to develop without sky high expectations.