The NBA sure knows how to keep storylines percolating, and they did that again Monday night with the annual NBA Draft lottery. No fans have been through a more tumultuous and polarizing rollercoaster of emotions this season than Dallas Mavericks fans after their GM, Nico Harrison, egregiously traded away their franchise superstar Luka Doncic three months earlier, who’s not even in the prime of his career, in the most blockbuster, shocking trade in NBA history.
It’s a win that no one saw coming! Mavericks fans, brace yourselves for a new era as the team clinches the rights to the No.1 overall pick and the opportunity to select this year’s draft gem, Duke freshman sensation Cooper Flagg. With just a 1.8% chance of winning the lottery and 8.5% odds of making it to the top four, the Mavericks defied the odds. The rest of the top five, in order of San Antonio, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Utah, were left in awe, especially Utah, which had the highest odds of claiming the top pick according to ESPN.
What does this mean for Dallas & who are they getting in Flagg?
The aftermath of the Doncic trade affected the Mavericks on the basketball court and off the court. The Doncic trade is expected to have a long-term economic effect, reducing ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and sponsorships by nearly $100 million. That all changes now.
After winning the draft lottery to draft Flagg, they now have their new heir apparent to usher in a new era post-Doncic. Flagg is well known nationally, as he’s been in the limelight dating back to his days in Maine, where he put himself on the map as a future NBA star. He’s a 6’8, 220 lb, highly skilled, multi-faceted Swiss army knife who fits right into what Nico Harrison is looking for as he’s an elite two-way player.
Flagg is the only freshman since 1980-81 to average 19+ points, 7+ rebounds, 4+ assists, a steal, and a block per game while shooting at least 45% from the field and 35% from three. He’s one of four freshmen (Kevin Durant, Michael Beasley, Tyreke Evans) with a usage percentage of over 30 and at least three defensive win shares for an entire season since it started tracking that data in 2002-03 per StatHead.
Flagg brings a new dynamic to the Mavericks, contrasting with Doncic’s grounded game. The 18-year-old phenom, already a name in the endorsement world with deals from New Balance, New Era, and Gatorade, is a fierce competitor, much like Doncic. He’s the main attraction wherever he goes, from his standout freshman season at Duke to his high school days at Montverde. Get ready for a more high-flying game with Flagg on the court.
Dallas fans might forever grieve the loss of Doncic before they even got to witness him in his prime, but Flagg is a grand consolation prize who provides great two-way ability.
Get ready for the “Maine Event,” Dallas.
