Cooper Flagg had a lot of anticipation for this particular occasion.
The Dallas Mavericks draft No. 1 overall in the NBA draft, the Duke product, still went through a flurry of emotions when he learned his name was called on Wednesday.
Flagg remarked as he sat with his family, “I’m feeling amazing.” To be honest, it’s a dream come true. It wouldn’t be beneficial to anyone else, in my opinion.
The Mavericks’ announcement put an end to the 18-year-old Maine native’s monthslong development that had been anticipated to be the team’s top pick. The only thing left to consider was which team would choose him, and Dallas, who won the NBA Draft last month despite the odds of 1.8%, did so.
The Mavericks, who lost Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers last season, are expected to sign a new franchise face with Flagg’s arrival soon.
The 6-foot-8-inch (2.03m), 221-pound (100kg) Flagg helped guide Duke to an NCAA Final Four appearance after averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks as a freshman. Along with receiving the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year and an ACC All-Defensive Team award, he also received the Wooden Award for the best player in the country.
The San Antonio Spurs used the No. 2 pick to select Rutgers guard Dylan Harper. Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, the son of a seasoned NBA player, will both be on the talented roster.
Harper expressed his excitement over the season-long trip to San Antonio.
“I’m feeling everything, all the emotions conjured up,” said Harper. “I believe that playing with a group of excellent players is what you get the most out of you. There is a strong young core there. I’m just about to step up and make an impact with those guys.
VJ Edgecombe, a guard, was chosen by the Philadelphia 76ers out of Baylor at No 3. After allowing the Bears to average 15 points and 5.6% rebounds, he was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year.
Kon Knueppel, a Duke guard, was the second Blue Devils freshman to be chosen with the top four picks, according to the Charlotte Hornets. Knueppel will continue to play basketball in North Carolina until then.
He claimed that Duke had a significant spotlight. We as freshmen were prepared for the next level because we didn’t let go of that. That will, ideally, continue.
The top five picks were chosen by the Utah Jazz, who also played for Harper at Rutgers.
At No 10 overall, Flagg’s Duke teammate Khaman Maluach was informed of his name. The Houston Rockets then sent Maluach the draft rights as part of a Kevin Durant finalization deal to the Phoenix Suns.
Maluach was a youngster in South Sudan when he first started playing basketball.
Maluach said, “I’m here to represent the entire continent.” I had the continent’s entire back when I left Africa. I want to inspire young children, give hope to young children, and inspire the next generation of African basketball.
The Mavericks won the franchise’s No. 1 overall pick for the second time in franchise history. In 1981, they selected Mark Aguirre as their top pick out of DePaul.
Source: Aljazeera
Leave a Reply