The wait is finally over. For the first time ever, the fans will get to watch Cooper Flagg on the court and wearing a Dallas Mavericks uniform, even if it doesn’t count.
The first-overall pick will make his debut in the NBA Summer League against Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers. He won’t have his star teammates by his side, but it will still be nice to watch him shake off the jitters.
For that, he will have to trust fellow rookie Ryan Nembhard, who excelled at Gonzaga before getting a two-way contract with the Mavs. While his roster spot isn’t guaranteed, it seems like Flagg likes his game.
Cooper Flagg likes Ryan Nembhard’s play
“He’s a good dude,” Flagg said of Nembhard. “Super athletic, high energy, and seems to understand the game well. I think it’ll be fun to play with him. I’m excited for that connection.”
They didn’t get to face off against one another in college, and they’re clearly projected to have different careers at the next level. Even so, this could be the beginning of a strong partnership.
Nembhard might be on a two-way contract, but with Kyrie Irving out and D’Angelo Russell’s injury woes, perhaps the Mavs will have to turn to him at some point in the season.