Cooper Flagg rumor silences ridiculous Mavericks theory that was a joke from day one

Cooper Flagg is in Dallas for his official visit with the Dallas Mavericks this week, and Mavs fans are counting down the days until Flagg will be selected by Dallas with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg seems to be just as happy to join the Mavericks as they are to draft him, as NBA insider Marc Stein reported on the DLLS Mavs Podcast yesterday that the "rumbles" around Flagg indicate that he is excited to join a contender rather than a bottom-of-the-barrel team that isn't competitive.

Flagg's thinking on this silences the theory that he didn't want to join the Mavericks (based upon his reaction after learning Dallas had won the Draft Lottery), and that rumor can officially be put to rest. The theory that Flagg didn't want to come to Dallas was far-fetched from the start, and he is getting an up-close look at what it will be like to be a Maverick with key figures of the organization during his official visit.

Flagg is happy to become a Maverick, and all of the narratives that say otherwise should disappear.

Cooper Flagg is thrilled to become a Dallas Maverick

Flagg's upcoming situation in Dallas is unique, as he is set to be the No. 1 overall pick while also joining a team that was just in the NBA Finals a year ago, rather than one of the worst teams in the NBA. This should be a blessing for Flagg, as he has been a winner his entire life and is an outstanding competitor.

Instead of having to put the team on his back and be the offensive engine like he would have had to on a team like the Washington Wizards or Brooklyn Nets, he is joining a team where he will be the third star. This should help Flagg's development significantly, as he won't be forced to create his own shot every time down the floor, and the gravity from players like Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis will create open looks for him.

Flagg easing into being an NBA superstar will work wonders for him, as he can focus on dominating defensively and letting his offensive game come to him, and this is likely what Jason Kidd and Nico Harrison will want out of him. They will want him to be himself, and his mold will fit perfectly into Nico Harrison's "defense wins championships" mold.

There aren't many players who take as much pride in being a lockdown defender as Flagg does, and he could become one of the best defenders in the NBA right away. His help-side defense is truly out of this world, and Mavericks fans are due to see plenty of blocked shots due to his length, athleticism, and anticipation.

Flagg is truly the best-possible addition the Mavericks could have secured this offseason, as they didn't have to give up any assets, and he fits their system on both ends of the floor. The offensive fit may be clunky at first, especially if they keep P.J. Washington and start Flagg at the two, but his fit on the team overall is undeniable.

Flagg is eager to step into the situation that is waiting for him in Dallas, and a new era of Mavericks basketball will begin on June 25 when Flagg walks across the stage at the Barclays Center and shakes Adam Silver's hand.