Cooper Flagg is officially the center of the Dallas Mavericks' universe.
That happened the moment the Mavs made the Duke superstar the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Dallas already had a solid roster, but Flagg immediately becomes the most important thing going on for the Mavericks, and so this NBA preseason feels like a crucial time for the franchise.
Sure, it's just the preseason, but every little thing matters when hoping to maximize a future with Flagg.
And right now, Flagg doesn't feel like his chemistry with veteran forward Anthony Davis is where it's supposed to be.
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Caveat of the preseason aside, that is something the Mavs will have to figure out to avoid having an awkward fit between two guys that could be power forwards.
“I gotta find ways to help AD more,” he said, via The Dallas Morning News’ Mike Curtis. “Play off him a little better. Help him impact the game when he’s posting up, getting his isos and whatnot. It’s been huge just trying to fit together. That’s what the preseason is for, just for us to come out and get that real game minutes together and kind of gel.“
He is right, of course. This is why the preseason exists.
And it's not just rookies that have to figure out new teammates. It happens after free agent signings and trades all the time. There's always a bit of rust or an adjustment period.
The Mavericks just have to hope that doesn't carry too deep into the season. They can win both now and later with Flagg. To win now, they need Coop and AD on the same page.
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