The Dallas Mavericks have been through incredible highs and incredible lows over the last year. From the thrill of a return to the NBA Finals, to the disappointment of a Finals loss, to a ludicrous string of injuries, to a trade of their adopted son and generational talent… and now this
Only three months removed from the franchise-altering trade of Luka Doncic, the Mavs won a coin flip with the Chicago Bulls to secure the 11th best odds in Monday night’s Draft. They then took their 1.8% chance and won the NBA Draft Lottery and the opportunity to select Cooper Flagg.
Suddenly the complexion of the Offseason has changed, as has the future of the franchise. For the next month, speculation will reign supreme as everyone guesses “will they or won’t they” in respect of what the Mavericks will do with the pick. There is virtually no question Flagg is going #1, but will he be wearing a Mavericks’ uniform come next season? I’m saying “yes” and here are 5 Reasons why.Flagg is a Two-Way Player
If defense wins championships, Flagg fits the bill. It’s difficult to imagine Nico Harrison could want any player in this draft more than Flagg and now he’s got the unlikely chance to get him. Flagg features an incredible degree of versatility on both sides of the ball and touts a seven-foot one-inch wingspan. A picture is worth a thousand words, so if you’ve not yet seen him play, check out a highlight reel and you’ll see for yourself.
Redemption
Bouncing ping-pong balls may have saved the legacy of Nico Harrison. Granted he had nothing to do with the outcome, but he is the beneficiary nonetheless. Harrison was irredeemable in the eyes of many fans, and while those same fans may never forgive him for trading Luka Doncic, they now have hope for a favorable on-court future beyond just the next few years. Harrison now gets to say he is the guy that brought in Cooper Flagg and the only thing more unlikely than trading Doncic would be following it up by not selecting and keeping Flagg. There is no way he does that. Right…?
Giannis Doesn’t Make Sense
Giannis Antetokounmpo has made it clear he is willing to explore playing for a team other than the Milwaukee Bucks, and then rumors began that a state like Texas – with its favorable income tax implications – looked like a good place to hang his hat. Out of nowhere, the Mavericks can now at least enter the discussion. I just don’t think they will.
