Cooper Flagg enters his rookie season in a unique position unlike that of many players who were drafted with the No. 1 overall pick.
Most top prospects are expected to change the fortunes of a franchise, seemingly overnight. Combine that with an extraordinary amount of usage and reliance on their offensive abilities. Given Flagg’s potential, it’s likely that day could come when the Mavericks’ trio of future Hall of Famers are no longer on the roster. But not today.
Flagg will have a chance to develop gradually and play a supportive role to Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and the rest of the bevy of veterans on Dallas’ roster.
However, just because Flagg’s experience likely won’t mirror that of former top picks doesn’t mean he’ll settle for anything other than being named the league’s best rookie. His competitive nature was on display Monday during his first NBA media day of his career.
“Obviously, I’d like to be the Rookie of the Year,” Flagg said. “As a team, I just want a lot of success. A lot of wins. We obviously want to win a championship. That’s a big thing, but like I said earlier, being myself. If I can stay true to myself and what got me here, I think the personal goals and things like that will work themselves out.”
Flagg’s goal for himself isn’t lofty, but there could be significant challenges ahead if the league’s other rookies receive more opportunities to display their talents. The former Duke freshman has a versatile two-way skillset that allows the Mavericks to use him in a variety of ways, including on-and-off the ball on offense, a point of attack defender and in transition as a lob threat.
When asked about his expectations for his rookie season, Flagg said he’ll rely on that versatility to help his team be successful on a nightly basis.
“I think it’s just about being myself, really,” Flagg said. “Just going through it and not changing for anybody. Obviously impacting the game in a lot of different ways and doing everything I can to impact winning at a high level.”
Flagg, 18, is the youngest player on the Mavericks and he was the second-youngest No. 1 pick in NBA history. The only name who stands ahead of him is LeBron James, who’s entering a league-record 23rd season as the oldest player in the league.
Flagg isn’t the only No. 1 pick on the Mavericks’ roster. He posed for photos among Irving and Davis, the top picks in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
“It’s been cool,” Flagg said. “Obviously, some of the best vets in the league right now. Some of the most experienced guys. I think just having this opportunity to learn from them as we’ve grown closer and be able to spend time with each other and get on the court. It’s been really good for me to learn so much and try to pick their brains and see how they see things on the court.”
Several of his teammates, including 21-year-old Dereck Lively, are his vets. PJ Washington revealed Flagg’s nickname for his older teammates is the ever-popular phrase, “Unc,” which is short for uncle and insinuates that a person is old or acting older than their age.
“I call most of the guys ‘Unc,’” Flagg said. “I even called D-Live ‘Unc’ one time and he just 21, so I just think it’s funny and trying to make them feel old. PJ said I can’t call him ‘Unc’ anymore.”
Flagg will be 19 by the time he finishes his rookie season. He’s looking to add the Rookie of the Year trophy to his decorated basketball resume when it’s all said and done. Given the Mavericks’ status as an established team, he could also hoist the ultimate prize of the Larry O’Brien if they’re the last team standing in June.