While most top picks entered the league with little help and highest expectations, 18-year-old Cooper Flagg found himself in a rare position: joining a roster filled with championship recovery veterans, including Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson.
“A lot of people or this situation has not given this situation,” Flag said at his introductory press conference. “So I'm just very happy and grateful for what I'm getting. I'm just looking forward to being a sponge. It's here, I'm so happy to be able to learn, soak everything and learn from older people and go through everything before.”
Despite the injury season between Davis and Irving, the Mavericks had a 1.8% chance in the lottery, but only 1.8% chance in the lottery. t
The Hat Lottery win came just one year after Luka Doncic led the final, who brought Davis to Dallas last season with a huge deal.
Even though Irving is still recovering from the ACL tear, Doncic disappears, and the core around Flagg is still strong.
“Those guys have a lot of knowledge,” Flag said of his veteran teammates. “They went through a lot of things and they had such a wealth of experience that it was an incredible opportunity for me to learn and grow under them.”
Flag did not shy away from expectations, although it seemed to be taking a basis.
“I’m just trying to learn and try to get better every day,” Flag said. “If I could do my best, I think other people would put expectations and pressure on me and our team.
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