Mavericks mend heartbreaking rift with forgotten legend after Flagg selection

After losing in the 2024 NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics, expectations for the Dallas Mavericks in 2025 were nothing short of winning a championship. The 2024-25 season started with some inconsistency struggles for the Mavericks with injuries, but nothing would prepare them for what would happen in early February.

Then, the shocking Luka Doncic trade to the Los Angeles Lakers sent the entire city of Dallas into a frenzy. The 2024-25 season continued to worsen when Kyrie Irving tore his ACL, then the Mavericks were eliminated in the 2025 Play-In Tournament by the Memphis Grizzlies. Then, the basketball gods smiled on the Mavericks and awarded them the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

The Mavericks were able to select Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick. The Flagg selection finally made a forgotten Maverick legend feel at ease over three decades later, after going through a tough series of events in Dallas.

The Mavericks have finally fixed their Mark Aguirre problem

Mark Aguirre is one of the legends in Mavericks history that some might have forgotten about. In eight seasons in Dallas, Aguirre made three All-Star Games. Aguirre had his best season as a Maverick in 1983-84 when he averaged 29.5 points per game.

What some might also not know is that Aguirre is the only other first-overall selection in Mavericks history. During the Mavs' Draft Party last month, Aguirre can be seen in tears of happiness that he is back in the city that he called home for so long.

Some fans might have forgotten how Aguirre's tenure in Dallas ended, and seeing him back around the organization once again is so exciting for fans who have been wondering where he has been all these years.

In the middle of the 1988-89 season, Aguirre was traded to the Detroit Pistons. When he was traded, Aguirre felt like he was "misunderstood by the press." Aguirre mentioned how he had a great relationship with Maverick fans.

Aguirre's former Mavs teammate Sam Perkins said at the time that the team "wouldn't miss" his emotional outbursts and made more comments on Aguirre being traded.

"Yesterday was Valentine's Day and today should be an all-day party," Perkins said.

What stung for Maverick fans is Aguirre became an NBA champion in 1989 and 1990 with the Pistons after being traded. At the end of the day, Aguirre's legacy in Dallas is still strong, as he finished averaging 24.6 points per game in his Maverick career, but he was forgotten and his dominance was seemingly swept under the rug due to the way things ended.

Fast forward 36 years later, Flagg now has the chance to shine in Dallas as a first-overall pick. Aguirre brought excitement to Dallas for a first-overall pick for a team that needed excitement. Now, the pressure is on Flagg.

The Mavericks are still recovering from the Doncic trade with negative comments toward general manager Nico Harrison. However, Flagg can bring in new excitement and a buzz around the city of Dallas yet again.

Flagg being able to play with Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson can help him grow his game. When Irving comes back when he's healthy, it can be scary for teams when Irving and Flagg are on the court at the same time.

Expectations for Flagg in year one will be extremely high. Now, Aguirre will be happy to see Flagg work his magic. Aguirre is clearly so happy that he is back around the organization once again, and the team has finally bridged the divide between them that has been present ever since he got traded.