After their surprise win in the draft lottery, the Dallas Mavericks want to pick Cooper Flagg with their first pick and compete for the championship at the same time. Coach Jason Kidd has now explained how the young talent will be carefully developed and why Dallas offers the perfect situation for him.
At just 18 years old, Cooper Flagg is considered one of the most promising talents of the decade. In his freshman season at Duke University, he averaged an impressive 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game.
After surprisingly winning the draft lottery, Dallas had only the eleventh best chance, but it quickly became clear that Flagg would be the first pick. Jason Kidd has now confirmed publicly for the first time that the Mavs want to keep the pick and integrate Flagg into the team in the long term.
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Kidd emphasized that Flagg will not be solely responsible for the team’s success. With veterans such as Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and possibly Klay Thompson at his side, the rookie will be gently introduced to the NBA: “He’ll get help. This isn’t a rebuild situation. We’re playing for the championship.”
Although Flagg will not turn 19 until December, Kidd believes he can make an impact on both sides of the court. The experienced players on the team will “guide him through his first year” without the pressure to perform like a franchise star right away.
Compared to other teams where Flagg would have to “deliver immediately,” Dallas offers a “much better situation,” according to Kidd. The Mavs coach sees the top pick as a long-term reinforcement, embedded in a competitive roster that wants to contend for the title in 2025/26.
