Latest news with #Flagg
Newsweek
40 minutes ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Mark Cuban Sends Surprising Message About Mavericks' Cooper Flagg
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Dallas Mavericks made the move that had been long expected. Ever since the team won the NBA Draft lottery with a 1.8 percent chance, they had been expected to draft Duke star Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick. On Wednesday night, that move happened. Flagg is now a member of the Mavericks and will be looking to help the franchise turn back into an NBA Finals contender. After trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the trade deadline last year, landing Flagg was a major stroke of luck. Nico Harrison has been given a second chance to get things right. US basketball player Cooper Flagg (R) shakes hands with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks during the opening round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center in... US basketball player Cooper Flagg (R) shakes hands with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks during the opening round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on June 25, 2025. More Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images Now, the question becomes, how will Dallas use Flagg? Read more: Report: Rockets Could Make Second Trade After Kevin Durant Deal During his college career with the Blue Devils, Flagg played forward. However, in the NBA, it's possible that the Mavericks could look to play him at another position. That is exactly what minority owner Mark Cuban is wanting to see. He wants to see Flagg play point guard and plans to let head coach Jason Kidd know that. As shared by Noah Weber of The Smoking Cuban, Cuban spoke out on the matter in a recent meetup with the press. "I'd send a text to J-Kidd, point guard, point guard, point guard, let him bring the ball up," Cuban said. He also said that the team is "going to have the biggest team in the NBA." Flagg has true generational talent. Should he reach his full potential, Dallas will have a very special player on its hands. Cuban knows that and he also knows just how wide of a skill-set the 18-year-old comes with. Read more: Jazz Receive Concerning Update Regarding Ace Bailey's Future In the 2024-25 college basketball season with Duke, Flagg played in 37 games. He averaged 19.2 points per game to go along with 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals, while shooting 48.1 percent from the floor and 38.5 percent from three-point range. All of that being said, it will be interesting to see what plans the Mavericks have in store for Flagg. They could look to play him at point guard or they could simply let him play his natural position of forward. Regardless of where they play him, Flagg is going to be one of the most watched players in the NBA during the upcoming 2025-26 season. For more on the Dallas Mavericks and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Cooper Flagg is ready to do whatever the Mavs ask
(From left) Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, first overall pick Cooper Flagg and head coach Jason Kidd on June 27. PHOTO: REUTERS Cooper Flagg is ready to do whatever the Mavs ask DALLAS – Cooper Flagg has enormous shoes to fill, trying to carry the mantle of the likes of Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic in Dallas, but the NBA draft's No. 1 pick is willing to do whatever is asked of him to help the Mavericks continue their recent success. And head coach Jason Kidd, who was the No. 2 pick by Dallas in the 1994 NBA Draft, is ready to challenge the Duke alum. 'I think it's a versatile position, doing a lot of different things,' Flagg said of his expectations on the court at his introductory press conference in Dallas on June 27. 'I think with the team, looking at the roster, we can play a really good brand of position-less basketball, with a lot of guys that can do a lot of different things. So I think that'll be one of the biggest strengths, and trying to play to that and just doing whatever I can to help the team win.' Kidd is also looking forward to the versatility that Flagg brings. 'I don't look at the position. I want to put him at the point guard,' he said. 'I want to make him uncomfortable and see how he reacts, being able to run the show, being able to play the two, play the three – he's comfortable playing that but we want to push, and I think he's going to respond in a positive way.' Kidd also called out Flagg's maturity as the teenager fielded questions with all eyes on him. 'Just sitting here listening to him, isn't it incredible? I mean we're talking about an 18-year-old who has all the right answers and is talking about working out after this,' the coach added. 'Just his poise, he's going to be successful for a long time. He likes to work, he's not afraid to work. I'm very blessed and the Mavs are very blessed to have him be a part of the family.' Joining a team with NBA Finals aspirations and the likes of Kyrie Irving, Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington and Dereck Lively II puts the Newport, Maine native in the unusual position of being a top pick on a team that is ready to win it all now. Flagg considers that a blessing. 'A lot of people in this position or this situation aren't granted this opportunity,' he said. 'So I just feel really blessed and grateful for the situation I've been given and I'm just looking forward to being a sponge, you know, just getting down here excited to just learn, soak it all in.' Meanwhile in other news, Masai Ujiri, who oversaw the most successful era in the history of the NBA's Toronto Raptors, has been axed as team president, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) announced on June 27. Ujiri, whose bold gambles helped the Raptors capture the 2019 NBA championship, making them the first and only team outside the United States to do so, was entering the final year of a five-year contract with the team. AFP, REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'Cooper Flagg is a white guy' — Peter Rosenberg's ESPN remark sparks debate over race and rising NBA stars
Cooper Flagg made headlines the moment he was selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft. Standing at 6'8" and coming off a dominant season at Duke, his talent is undeniable. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But it wasn't just his skills that caught attention. An ESPN commentator's remark 'Cooper Flagg is a white guy' quickly turned the spotlight toward something bigger than basketball: a renewed discussion around race in sports. Cooper Flagg becomes the first American born white No 1 NBA pick since Kent Benson in 1977 Cooper Flagg was picked first overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft. This made him the first American-born white player to be drafted No. 1 since Kent Benson back in 1977. During his 37 games at Duke, Flagg put up impressive stats with an average of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 steals and blocks per game, shooting 48% overall and 38.5% from beyond the arc. He also racked up several prestigious awards, including the Wooden Award, Naismith, Oscar Robertson, and ACC Player of the Year. On ESPN's First Take June 27, syndicated host Peter Rosenberg declared — 'Cooper Flagg is a white guy, maybe the best white American prospect since Larry Bird. Let's not act as if we don't live in America and we're not seeing what's happening with Caitlin Clark in the WNBA... if he's nearly as good as people expect... no one's going to be more intriguing or get more eyeballs than what Cooper Flagg's doing in Dallas..'. He tied this observation to Caitlin Clark's swift rise, suggesting that race is a major factor in media intrigue. According to Rosenberg, if Flagg meets the expectations, the racial narrative could elevate him to a "cultural phenomenon" and pull in a huge audience. Still, some critics have taken issue with this viewpoint, calling it simplistic—or perhaps even racially charged. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Many contend that Flagg's acclaim is due to his exceptional play on the court, not just his ethnicity. One comment on The Shadow League put it very straightforwardly — 'Caitlin Clark is popular because she's a historically great player, not because she's white, and the same is true for Cooper Flagg'. Also Read: This conversation mirrors the situation with Clark. Last year, Rosenberg sparked debate by dubbing her the "face of white fragility," accusing the media of having a bias in racial storytelling. Additionally, Flagg's entry comes as the Mavericks part ways with Luka Doncic and seek to redefine their identity nationally—and racially—as a new American star emerges.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Stephen Curry's social media post hints at big things for Cooper Flagg
(Image Source - Getty Images) Stephen Curry just dropped an Instagram Story that's got the NBA world buzzing—and it's more than just a throwback. The post, featuring a young Cooper Flagg, comes at a time when the spotlight couldn't be brighter on the No. 1 draft pick. With a simple caption, Curry may have said more than words ever could — hinting at a future that's already generating serious hype. From Curry Camp to NBA spotlight Cooper Flagg earns Stephen Curry's endorsement Stephen Curry's repost isn't just a blast from the past—it's a solid endorsement. The picture features Flagg as a wide-eyed kid at a Curry Camp, now set to be the number one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. With that caption—"Curry Camp → NBA. Let's get it!"—Curry is shining a light on Flagg's journey and effectively backing him as a high-level talent ready for the big stage. It's a full-circle moment that raises the rookie's profile. (Image Source - Stephen Curry's Instagram Story) During his single season at Duke, Flagg was nothing less than amazing. He put up averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, while also contributing 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals. His remarkable play earned him the consensus national player of the year award, which helped him secure the No. 1 overall pick by a Mavericks team eager to focus on youth and potential for the future. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bangladesh: Jewelry On Sale For Half Price (See Price List) Luxury Jewelry | search ads Undo This February, Dallas stirred things up by sending Luka Doncic to the Lakers, officially making space for Flagg to take the spotlight. Despite the challenge of following in the footsteps of a franchise great, Flagg has openly rejected the comparisons — 'I'm not worried about living up to certain players' expectations,' he said confidently ahead of draft night, reinforcing that he plans to carve his own path Curry's backing is significant. He began as an overlooked prospect and transformed into a global superstar, mirroring the path the Mavericks envision for Flagg. By emphasizing Flagg's early links to Curry's youth program, he's affirming not just the player but the entire process—implying that the rookie possesses both the talent and the mindset to excel at the highest tier. Also Read: Caitlin Clark sidelined by sudden injury as everything changes for the Indiana Fever The Instagram Story by Stephen Curry does not seem much, but there is so much behind it than the mere remembrance of the days gone by: it is a strong statement. Having achieved some great performance as a Duke, being picked on as the top draft, and the metamorphosis of the Mavericks under the influence of rookies, Cooper Flagg is on the trail towards becoming a cult hero akin to what Curry was exposed to. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
USA Today
4 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Watch: Cooper Flagg attends Dallas Wings WNBA game, praises Caitlin Clark
Cooper Flagg is a fan of hoops. Just two days after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday, June 25, Flagg has already made himself part of the Dallas community. The former Duke Blue Devil star was in attendance for the WNBA matchup between the Dallas Wings and Indiana Fever at American Airlines Center on June 27. FEVER VS. WINGS: Indiana battles Paige Bueckers, Dallas without Caitlin Clark "Honestly, it means a lot to me, seeing how far they have come, and I am going to continue to watch," Flagg said in an interview during the game. "I am a big fan, so it's really cool to just be here and be in this environment and get to watch a great game." Cooper Flagg, the 2025 No. 1 overall @NBA Draft pick, is in the building supporting the home team in Dallas 👏IND-DAL | ION Cooper Flagg praised Caitlin Clark, A'ja Wilson The matchup had plenty of star power with Wings star Paige Bueckers set to go up against Fever star Caitlin Clark. However, Clark missed the matchup due to a left groin injury. But when asked about Clark during an interview, Flagg had high praise for the defending Rookie of the Year and No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, placing her in the Mt. Rushmore for the WNBA. "She's changed the game so much, and it's heading in the right direction," Flagg said of Clark. "And I just love what she's been able to do. Caitlin Clark is not playing today, but earlier today Cooper Flagg said she is in his WNBA Mt. Rushmore.'She's changed the game so much, and it's heading in the right direction. And I just love what she's been able to do.' Despite praising Clark, Flagg said his favorite WNBA player is A'ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces star and three-time and reigning WNBA MVP
