The Dallas Mavericks are destined to make Cooper Flagg the No. 1 pick. Flagg plans to visit Dallas on June 17, as the team is set to host a private pre-draft visit. This is good news for Mavs fans. Getting Flagg to Dallas is the first step in creating a relationship between both sides, as the Mavs are ready to start a new chapter with him at the center of it.
In simple terms, the private workout is a lock for Flagg to come to Dallas. It was reported this week that Flagg is set to become a Dallas Maverick, as he won't conduct additional visits with any other teams. Dallas, on the other hand, also wants to make Flagg their only visit when it comes to the top prospects. So, Mavs fans can rejoice as the team is ready to select Flagg with the first pick.
However, this is bad news for another NBA franchise. The Boston Celtics were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs this year and have been trying to strengthen their roster. Some ideas suggested that Boston might try to trade for the number one pick and select Flagg, but those rumors can be put to rest now.
Cooper Flagg will only visit Dallas and is a lock to be a Maverick
Last month, the Celtics interviewed Flagg at the NBA combine. Boston President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens discussed the interaction between Flagg and his team. He stated that the Celtics rank players they can talk to, and that's how they determine who they meet with. So, Flagg was on their short list.
Celtics fans got excited after the interaction when Stevens gave his input on Flagg potentially coming to Boston.
"Will there be fireworks on draft night? I can't imagine. But again, who knows? I wouldn't guess with us, no," Stevens said.
While Stevens downplayed the idea of Flagg going to Boston, his rhetoric of phrases "who knows" could be enough to give fans hope. So, it makes sense why fans might have possibly drawn up a crazy scenario in their head. Not to mention, Boston is expected to start the season without Jason Tatum, as he was injured in the playoffs. So, acquiring Flagg could make up for his absence.
Those scenarios can officially be put to rest. Flagg is set to become a Dallas Maverick, and it seems the feeling is mutual. So, it's safe to say the idea of the Celtics trading for him is a no-go.
It makes sense why the Mavs wouldn't trade their No. 1 pick. Flagg is a generational talent who can take Dallas to the next level. He has all the intangibles that Nico Harrison is looking for, as Flagg is a two-way player who can get it done on both ends of the court.
His talent and resume aren't going unrecognized, as coaches and players have spoken about Flagg's talented abilities. Recently, former Duke coach Mike "Coach K" Krzyzewski gave his input on Flagg. He stated that the projected number one pick was "definitely the best freshman that has ever played" at Duke.
This is a big statement coming from Coach K, as he used to coach current Dallas Maverick Kyrie Irving. So, the high praise illustrates the type of talent the Mavs are receiving. Last season, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game at Duke. He was the Blue Devils ' leading player in every category.
Current Dallas Maverick Olivier-Maxence Prosper also gave his input on Flagg. According to the Dallas Morning News (subscription required), when referencing Flagg, he stated, "I think he's going to bring a lot to our team."
He further explained that Flagg is "super versatile" and "has the drive to win, super competitive." Offensively, Prosper compared Flagg to a Swiss Army knife, stating that his ability to be interchangeable will only help the Mavs win even more.
So, it makes sense why Flagg is projected to be the first pick. His talent and skills will be the perfect complement to a Mavs team already equipped with All-Stars like Irving and Anthony Davis. Plus, his off-the-ball talent would drastically open up the Mavs' offense more.
The amount of high praise Cooper Flagg is receiving correlates with his resume. He is a generational talent who has a bright future ahead. Mavs fans should be excited, as the future is bright in Dallas. Not to mention, this was a competition in which Dallas beat out the Celtics.