Duke forward Cooper Flagg arrived in Dallas on Tuesday for a private workout with the Mavericks, signaling the team’s strong interest in selecting the Duke forward with the first overall pick on June 25.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the Mavericks secured the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft for the first time since 1981 despite having just a 1.8% chance.
The expectation is that Dallas will keep that selection and select Flagg to lead the franchise alongside Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.
Flagg has not scheduled visits or workouts with any other NBA teams, making this session with Dallas his sole pre-draft engagement and indicating that he expects to be selected by the team with the top overall selection in the NBA Draft, per The Dallas Morning News.
The 6-foot-9 forward will spend time at both American Airlines Center and the Mavericks’ practice facility during his time in Dallas. Flagg is also expected to meet with Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and multiple players and executives.
Flagg put together an incredible singular season at Duke, earning consensus first-team All-American honors, being named both the National Player of the Year and the National Freshman Player of the Year.
The future first-overall pick averaged an incredible 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists during his singular season with Duke, leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four with an overall record of 35-4.
Flagg’s ability on the court has resulted in various NBA All-Stars voicing their excitement about his future, with Chris Paul claiming that Flagg is “as real as advertised” after working out with him in Los Angeles.
Despite the rumors that Dallas could look to flip the pick for a major contributing piece next season, the franchise has already decided that keeping the selection is the best option available, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Many Mavericks fans will likely look to watch the franchise make the first selection in the NBA Draft, prompting the team to organize a watch party at American Airlines Center during the event.
Fans can purchase tickets for the event at Mavs.com/draft. Doors are expected to open around 5:30 p.m. for the 6 p.m. draft.