Cooper Flagg's fearless Luka Doncic take reveals why he's built to be a Maverick

The NBA Finals have passed, and the Dallas Mavericks are once again looking for answers. One thing they must figure out is how to return to the promised land and win their second NBA title in team history. The Oklahoma City Thunder laid out the perfect blueprint for how to win an NBA title, as every team needs an Alex Caruso-type player—someone who gets things done on both ends of the court.

Caruso filled the void the Thunder were looking for, and this is something Dallas should look for. One possible option similar to Caruso is Lonzo Ball. He would be the ideal candidate to add organization and spark to a Mavs roster looking for help. Ball's leadership would provide balance to the Mavs' offense, while also giving them an extra on-ball defender.

Plus, if Dallas were to trade for Ball, he would be a good asset for incoming rookie Cooper Flagg. The projected number one pick will need all the help he can get to make his transition to the NBA smooth. Not to mention, if Dallas were to pair Ball alongside Flagg, it would open up the floor and provide many opportunities for him.

Flagg has already spoken highly of his confidence level heading into the NBA, and having an established veteran would only boost that.

Cooper Flagg wants to carve his own path, not follow Luka Doncic's

Recently, Flagg spoke about the pressure of playing in the NBA and having to follow in Luka Doncic's footsteps. In a recent interview before the big day, Flagg outlined his vision and the steps he would need to be the best version of himself, as he is not worried about having to be what Doncic was for Dallas. Mavs fans will come to love his response. It's something that'll get them excited for the future.

"I wouldn’t look at anything as pressure, I think you know me going into whatever situation I go into, I'm just gonna try to be myself all the time, and I'm gonna push myself to be better and bettter every single day and make the most out of every day," Flagg said.

This is a great statement to hear from Flagg, as Mavs' fans are anxious to see what type of player Flagg will pan out to be. His words are nothing new; Flagg has been putting in work leading up to the draft. Last week, Flagg obliterated his private workout with Dallas. He shot extremely well and shut down any concern of him struggling as a shooter. Plus, his 3-point shooting took the team by storm, a skill Dallas will look to improve on.

However, Flagg's comments about a former Mav caught the internet by surprise. During his interview, Flagg discussed the idea of replacing or living up to Luka Doncic's reputation. He outlined his future outlook and what motivates him. P.S.: He isn't worried about replicating Doncic and his Mavericks legacy.

"I’m not worried about living up to certain players’ expectations or things like that, I’m just gonna be myself and just try to get better every single day," Flagg said.

This is the exact type of words fans and people within the organization will want to hear. The Mavs need a player who isn't afraid to be himself and not try to replicate someone else's success. It also illustrates the type of player they are getting in Cooper Flagg. He is a rookie who wants to be the best version of himself and not Doncic's replacement.

Flagg is a highly motivated athlete and is always working to improve his game. He wants to do the basic things to help improve his game, and that is the exact type of player Nico Harrison has been craving. Harrison has been big on someone who is a two-way player similar to Anthony Davis, and Flagg fits that exact mold.

So, take Flagg's comments how you want, but the man is a superstar in the making. He has the capabilities to take Dallas to new heights and become the face of the franchise. His comments show his commitment to the game and team, as Flagg can easily let the game come to him.

Understandably, some Mavs' fans are still dreading the Luka Doncic trade. However, Flagg's recent statement, workout, and inspiration should be enough to help ease their pain. Flagg seems destined for greatness, and Dallas will inevitably select him with the No. 1 pick. A new era has arrived in Dallas, and Cooper Flagg has the skills to rejuvenate a hurt franchise.