The Dallas Mavericks are gearing up to form the next big three ahead of next season. The team is expected to draft Duke star Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick. It's a no-brainer selection, as he was the best college basketball player last season.
Pairing Flagg up with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis could form one of the top NBA trios in history. The three could make Nico Harrison's vision of winning an NBA Championship come true extremely soon. Dallas hopes Irving returns to full form after suffering an ACL tear in March. His comeback will be crucial to the Mavs' upcoming season, as they can't win a title without him.
However, there is good news, as Irving is on track to return on time. Coach Jason Kidd recently discussed Irving's health, and his perspective was positive. He stated that Irving is "in the right frame of mind," and that he "wouldn't be surprised if he's back early." This is good news for Mavs fans, as they will need Irving to return to his old form if they hope to make the playoffs next season.
Irving and Davis are the perfect mentors for Flagg's rise in Dallas
Irving's update always speaks volumes to the type of person he is. He is a warrior and fighter who will continue proving others wrong. Recently, he made headlines off the court. Irving assisted a fan by donating $11,000 to their GoFundMe page. The fan reached out to Irving after suffering a car crash, and Irving responded with generosity. This, among countless other reasons, proves Dallas should sign Irving to a long-term contract, as his talents extend beyond the ball court.
Irving's actions prove why he is the perfect role model for Cooper Flagg. As mentioned, Flagg is expected to be a Dallas Maverick. The Mavs recently shut down any rumors that they planned to trade the first pick, as they plan to draft Flagg. So, assuming Harrison and the Mavericks stick to their word, they will need someone to help guide Flagg at the beginning of his career.
This is where Anthony Davis and Irving come in.
Both players would be the perfect candidates to guide Flagg and help him reach his full potential. If you recall, Davis and Irving were both selected at the top of their draft class, and understand the pressure of being the No. 1 pick.
For example, the New Orleans Pelicans selected Anthony Davis as the first pick in 2012. In his first season, he averaged a near double-double with 13.5 points per game and 8.2 rebounds. He also started in 60 of his 64 games. He made his presence known as he was selected to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
He understood the pressure of being the top selection, as he lived up to his reputation. Davis is a 10-time All-Star and 2020 NBA Champion. His veteran presence could be the exact modeling Cooper Flagg needs.
Irving, on the other hand, was also a top selection. He was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2011, prior to Anthony Davis. Similar to Flagg, Irving played one season at Duke before heading to the NBA. He won the Rookie of the Year award in his first season and was part of the NBA's All-Rookie First Team.
Similar to Davis, he is an NBA Champion. Irving has also been selected for nine All-Star appearances, as he won the All-Star Game MVP in 2014. He has had his many ups and downs since being in the league, and it seems he has found a perfect home in Dallas. Irving would also be a great role model to Flagg due to their similar college backgrounds.
Davis and Irving both understand the responsibility that comes with being the first pick. Their high-level backgrounds will help Cooper Flagg reach his true potential. Both players could guide and lead him to take over the team in the future. They would help guide him to multiple All-Star selections and possibly an NBA Championship, if everything goes according to plan.
So, if Dallas wants to succeed in the future, the answer is clear.
Let Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving guide Cooper Flagg. They have the perfect credentials to show him the ropes, and the three of them will form a dangerous trio right when they touch the floor together. Plus, it doesn't hurt to start preparing Flagg for the future.
Look out, Mavs fans, the next Mavs star is on the way, and he'll officially be a Maverick in just over a month.
