Cooper Flagg was formally introduced as a member of the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, and he had to face some uncomfortable questions about Luka Doncic. One of those remarks drew a notable reaction from the No. 1 overall pick.
A reporter asked Flagg about the expectations that the former Duke star will become the next face of the franchise. He noted how that title belonged to Dirk Nowitzki and then briefly to Doncic before "plans changed."
Before Flagg answered, he smirked and looked to his right. The glance happened to be in the direction of Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, which many felt was not a coincidence.
Cooper Flagg's side-eye after reporter mentioned Luka Doncic
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 27, 2025
(via @dallasmavs) pic.twitter.com/wjkfOpq1wd
Flagg then provided a fairly generic response.
"I'm coming in just trying to learn and trying to get better every single day," Flagg said. "I think if I can do that to the best of my ability, I think expectations and pressures that other people will put on me and our team, that will kind of work itself out. I'm just trying to come in and be the best that I can be and just win at the highest level."
Harrison, of course, immediately became one of the most unpopular sports figures in Dallas after he traded Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February. He has stood by the decision, though he did make some troubling admissions about it.
If Flagg lives up to the hype, he could quickly make Mavericks fans forget about their former MVP. Until then, there will likely be numerous inquiries about Doncic.
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