One of the Dallas Mavericks spoke with Cooper Flag during preseason training and encouraged them to focus on their teams next season.
All eyes appear to be on the Cooper Flag as the Dallas Mavericks’ overall #1 pick appears to be set for a strong rookie season.
After an impressive summer Reglan at Flag, he is now with the Mavericks as part of their preseason camp.
So far, Flag has been impressed with veterans like Klay Thompson for their attitude and performance in training. However, Anthony Davis warns Flag about what he actually is and tells him to take charge more.
And now we’ve learned that another Mavericks star spoke to him during preseason camp, urging him not to get caught up in the hysteria surrounding his rookie season.
Dereck Lively II spoke to reporters at the Dallas Mavericks training camp. When a reporter asked him about Cooper Flag, Lively was very complementary to him.
He praised Flag for trying to ask as many questions as possible. However, he told Flag not to get stuck with those targeting next season, as the rest of the team will always support him.
“Great! He was a sponge. He’s trying to understand the game by asking questions here. You know he’s a #1 pick, so everyone is trying to get him to try and go and choose him.
“I told him, ‘Look, you’re not alone. We’re a team. If they’re choosing you, we’ll all choose them.”
“We make sure we’re making sure he’s on his back. We’re going to get him no matter what happens. Good games, bad games, we’re always there for him.”
The Dallas Mavericks are scheduled to begin their preseason Monday night, facing the Oklahoma City Thunder.
It’s difficult to make his NBA debut (even in preseason) against the NBA champions and face league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Flag will have the opportunity to get some decent minutes, probably in the 18-20 minute range and affect both ends.
How well can Flag do it? Given the low strength of preseason basketball, Flag will have the opportunity to acquire his rhythm from the end of October before the NBA season.