Well, Nico Harrison, the nasty Mavericks general manager, did it. He drafted Duke’s Feeling Cooper Flagg to be the No. 1 pick in hopes of creating a new era for Dallas.
After Flagg was drafted, media asked Harrison if he thought the criticism he faced after the trade of the blockbuster Luka Doncic would quiet down because the team had already made a star like Flagg.
“I hope so,” Harrison said with a smile. “I’m assuming this might be a bit.”
This may take more time as fans of the Dallas viewing party Mavericks are still chanting “Fire Nico.” Yes.
“Fire Nico” shouted at the AAC for the Dallas Mavericks Draft Watch Party.
Dallas currently ranks No. 1 draft pick on the clock. pic.twitter.com/qmynqw2epb
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) June 26, 2025
Despite Dallas fans harbor resentment, longtime NBA Insider Shams Charania is also a big fan of what Nico does in Dallas.
“Whatever you want to say about Luca Doncic’s trade, Nico Harrison can be arguably the best frontline in the NBA,” Shams declared. “You think of Anthony Davis. Now it’s Cooper Flagg. DereckLively II. They just expanded Daniel Gafford for nearly $60 million in the new three years.
“The biggest key this season will be Kyrie Irving. If he is healthy now, we might talk to the Oklahoma City Thunder about this team, fighting for the championship.”
The controversial GM said the team was excited that the team would have such a unique prospect.
“This is a talent passed down from generation to generation, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Harrison said. “So, we’re excited about it.”
Harrison went on to say that he thought Flagg would have an impact on both ends of the floor.
“I think the biggest thing is that he’s a two-way player,” Harrison said. “When you watch his game, he’s playing hard. … When you have a good guy, people talk about intangibles – they don’t talk about basketball – that’s someone who will add to your culture.”
Read more: Cooper Flagg
