Mavericks' secret weapon for Cooper Flagg's rookie year is already taking shape

Two seasons ago, the Dallas Mavericks' team chemistry was at an all-time high. Before the 2023-24 season, the Mavs team traveled to Abu Dhabi for a preseason game. During their time, the team bonded as they completed various activities from riding camels to playing NBA 2K in the desert. Later that season, players like Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic further developed their chemistry by bonding through a game of spades.

Fast forward to now, and team chemistry will be more important than ever. The team is entering a new era of basketball, as players like Cooper Flagg will look to bond with their new teammates and get used to a new environment. Last season, many players missed significant time and failed to establish a true on-court connection with Anthony Davis (since he only played nine games in Dallas), which will be crucial this season.

Davis and Irving will need to establish a connection early with Flagg, as their mentorship will be important in his first year. They are both former No. 1 picks who could help make Flagg's life easier. However, it seems one Maverick is one step ahead of them. Dereck Lively II has already established a connection both on and off the court with Flagg.

Lively II and other Mavs teammates will help unlock Flagg's potential

Two weeks ago, Lively II established an early connection with Flagg. Both players were spotted at the State Fair of Texas, which helped create a much-needed bond, even though they already had a solid connection since they both went to Duke. Lively II helped introduce Flagg to State Fair of Texas staples such as the turkey leg. This is a relationship that could translate to success on the court.

Lively II recently spoke on his relationship with Flagg. He mentioned at training camp that he wants to help Flagg feel comfortable on the team and that his rookie year isn't going to be easy.

"I've been trying to show him that look, you're not one guy, we're a team. No matter if they pick on you, we're all going to pick on them. Just making sure we got his back, we're going to pick him up no matter what happens, good thing, bad thing, we're always going to be there for me," Lively II said.

These comments are the exact kind of support Flagg will need in his first year. The incoming rookie will need his teammates to rally around and help him whenever he falls. Lively II's comments, though, illustrate the team won't leave him hanging. Basically, his statement could hopefully translate into successful relationships with other players.

As mentioned, one player who will be important to Flagg's success is Davis. Last season, he played in nine games for the Mavs. Injuries took the best of him, as he struggled to make a connection with his new teammates since he barely got to play with them. One player Davis failed to gain valuable time with was Irving. The Dallas duo failed to be on the court at the same time, except for Davis' infamous Mavs debut against the Houston Rockets. This is something that will continue to be a problem, as Irving is expected to be sidelined with an ACL injury until the second half of the season.

Davis will need to create an on-court relationship with Flagg. However, this won't be possible unless Davis stays healthy. The Mavs will need a powerful and healthy Davis to silence any doubts and help build chemistry with the new rookie.

It'll be up to Flagg's teammates to help make his transition in the league smooth. It seems Lively II is already doing his job; it'll be up to his teammates to follow as well.