Dallas Mavericks fans are unlikely to ever forget the way the franchise handled their superstar, Luka Doncic. In an attempt to ease the backlash, the team selected Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft.
During Flagg’s introductory press conference, he was asked an expected question. A reporter brought up how Luka was once expected to be the face of the franchise until things abruptly changed. The question prompted Flagg to shoot a side-eye at general manager Nico Harrison. After all, Harrison was the man at the center of the controversial decision.
Cooper Flagg's side-eye after the reporter mentions Luka would have become the face of the franchise but plans changed
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) June 27, 2025
Via: https://t.co/Wg1UFarUcG pic.twitter.com/TmV6BTsRSF
While Doncic was working toward returning from injury, the Mavericks were secretly exploring a different direction. Harrison reportedly contacted Lakers GM Rob Pelinka about a trade involving Luka.
Ultimately, just before the trade deadline and without any prior discussion with the player, Dallas traded Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. Since the trade, Mavericks fans have repeatedly voiced their frustration with Harrison’s decisions.
Cooper Flagg Says He’s Not Chasing Stardom
Flagg’s journey from a 16-year-old showing off his skills at the Stephen Curry Camp to becoming the No. 1 overall pick is obviously remarkable. At his introductory press conference, Flagg was asked whether he feels prepared to carry the mantle of being the franchise’s next big icon.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
“I’m coming in just trying to learn and get better every single day. If I can do that to the best of my ability, the expectations and pressures that other people will put on me and our team, that will kind of work itself out. I’m just coming in trying to be the best I can be and just win at the highest level,” Flagg replied, according to Mavs.com.
Pressure is now heavy on Flagg. He will have to serve as a calming presence amid the storm created by the Mavericks’ controversial Doncic trade. The team is banking on Flagg’s arrival to ease the anger and frustration of the fan base that is still reeling from the departure of their former franchise cornerstone.
Also Read: Jason Kidd Reveals Bold Plan For Cooper Flagg’s Summer League Debut Against The Lakers
