Dallas legend's bold Mavericks prediction teases golden future under Cooper Flagg

After winning the NBA Draft Lottery with just 1.8 percent odds to notch the first overall pick, the Dallas Mavericks have welcomed a period of lesser criticism after deciding to trade franchise superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 1.

This isn't to say there aren't still former fans that vow they will never return to the Mavericks' fanbase, or that Dallas' front office has made amends for the Doncic trade simply by lucking into the No. 1 pick, but the excitement surrounding consensus No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg heading to the Mavericks has definitely shifted the trajectory of the franchise.

Obviously, Dallas' upper brass is thrilled at a gift of redemption, and the fanbase is excited to see how Flagg's career will develop in Dallas, even if some are still skeptical of Dallas' chances at competing for a title next season. However, this wasn't the case whatsoever with Mavericks fan and Dallas golf legend Scottie Scheffler, as Scheffler gave his vote of confidence to the Mavericks when asked by reporters who he thought would win the NBA Championship this season following the second round of the Memorial Tournament.

Scheffler is all in on Mavericks' future with Flagg leading the way

"The Mavericks," Scheffler said even though the Mavs aren't in the playoffs right now. And after a brief chuckle, Scheffler simply said, "first pick". Clearly, the Highland Park product is still supporting the Mavericks following their Luka Doncic blunder, which is an overall win considering how prominent of a sports figure Scheffler is in the DFW area. It would be terrible for one of the best athletes in the area who literally went to Highland Park High School to denounce the Mavericks publicly, though it would be extremely justified following Nico Harrison's ill-advised decision to trade Doncic.

Scheffler's support of the Mavericks is truly unwavering, as he also admitted to not having watched any of the NBA Playoffs this season because the Mavericks didn't make it. After winning the Masters Tournament and PGA Championship in back-to-back years, Scheffler has arguably solidified himself as the best golfer on the planet and 100 percent knows what it takes to win at the highest level of competition, and his excitement for the Flagg era to begin next season definitely holds some weight to it.

Obviously, Scheffler isn't an acclaimed NBA analyst and was giving a basketball answer in the midst of heated tournament he's playing in, but it's great to see him and other DFW sports figures still showing their support for the fanbase and what the organization is trying to do just months after "Fire Nico" chants and signs were flooding the entire DFW metroplex, especially a the American Airlines Center for every Mavericks home game.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (from the DFW area and also a Mavericks fan), took to social media as well to post a photoshopped picture of Flagg in a Mavericks jersey following Dallas winning the NBA Draft Lottery, so clearly the Mavericks are regaining the support and trust of some of the top athletes and figures in the area following their insanely lucky draw.

Overall, the Mavericks can certainly use this type of support from other DFW based athletes as well as professional athletes playing on other Dallas sports teams, and it wouldn't be surprising to see more of these faces show up at games next season in what projects to be an exciting new buzz at the AAC during Mavericks home games.