The Dallas Mavericks have endured an emotional rollercoaster that left their fanbase questioning all the pieces they thought they knew in regards to the franchise’s course.
The gorgeous commerce of Luka Dončić despatched shockwaves by way of the NBA, however fortune smiled on Dallas once they secured the primary total decide within the 2025 NBA Draft and chosen Cooper Flagg.
Simply as optimism started constructing across the proficient American prospect, FS1 Analyst Nick Wright delivered a actuality verify that dampened the keenness.
“I feel proper now, they’re greater than a contact overrated. I don’t care how good you might be, what your profile is. Within the trendy NBA, particularly, rookies that need to be the focus of a staff’s offense don’t contribute to profitable. They simply don’t,” Wright mentioned on his “What’s Wright?” podcast.
“I feel proper now they’re greater than a contact overrated… till Kyrie comes again you are asking your main ball handler and creator to be an 18 12 months previous.”@getnickwright shouldn’t be shopping for Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks as a contender THIS 12 months pic.twitter.com/MNLoRjUdSW
— What’s Wright? with Nick Wright (@WhatsWrightShow) June 26, 2025
Wright’s criticism facilities on the burden positioned on a younger participant’s shoulders.
He referenced how even future legends like LeBron James and Michael Jordan struggled to translate particular person brilliance into staff success throughout their first seasons, notably when serving as the first offensive catalyst.
The scenario turns into extra advanced when analyzing Dallas’s present roster building.
Whereas Wright acknowledges the Mavericks possess supporting expertise, the timing creates issues.
Kyrie Irving stays dedicated to the group after signing a three-year, $119 million deal, however his restoration from ACL surgical procedure will sideline him for many of the upcoming season.
With out Irving’s veteran management and playmaking means, the duty falls closely on Flagg’s younger shoulders.
Klay Thompson gives a gentle veteran presence, and Anthony Davis has impressed in his early appearances with the staff.
The items look like in place for Dallas to stay aggressive, however Wright questions whether or not they can mesh successfully with such a younger focus.
Wright doesn’t dispute the potential inside this rebuilt roster.
His concern lies with the timeline and expectations.
Regardless of the joy surrounding their new course, he believes the Mavericks face an uphill battle in 2025-26, whatever the expertise they’ve assembled.
NEXT: Bob Myers Reveals What Makes Cooper Flagg ‘Distinctive’
