After becoming the laughingstock of the NBA late in the season for unexpectedly trading away Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks have now emerged as a serious long-term threat across the league—thanks to landing the No. 1 overall pick in this week's NBA draft lottery.
The Mavericks entered the lottery projected to land the No. 14 pick—the final lottery slot—and were widely expected to pick somewhere in the back half. But with just a 1.8% chance, they made a shocking leap to the top spot, setting the stage to potentially select Duke Blue Devils two-way phenom Cooper Flagg.
On Thursday, Mavericks head coach and NBA legend Jason Kidd appeared on the "Dan Patrick Show" and was asked directly whether the Mavericks plan to keep the pick and take Flagg. Kidd didn’t hesitate in his response.
“Planning on keeping the pick and taking Cooper Flagg?” Patrick asked.
“Yes,” Kidd replied. “I’m just the coach, so... but I would say we’re all focused on No. 1. The draft is deep, sure, but the name that’s being brought up by everyone—that’s who we’re focused on.”
Kidd then treaded carefully, mindful not to violate any draft-related rules, saying, "I don’t want to break any rules or get us in trouble, so I want to make it clear that while the speculation is on Cooper Flagg, we still have to go through the process. I’m just trying to be politically correct here... We’re excited, excited about the kid at Duke, and I can't wait to talk to Coach Scheyer."
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd.
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd.
David Butler II-Imagn Images
Flagg is widely regarded as the consensus No. 1 pick, regardless of which team holds the top selection. However, rumors have circulated that the Mavericks might consider trading the pick, especially if a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo requests a trade from Milwaukee this offseason.
That said, it seems the Mavericks are focused on securing their next franchise cornerstone in Flagg, with plans to pair him alongside Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and fellow former Duke stars Dereck Lively and Kyrie Irving.