DALLAS — The excitement is palpable as the Dallas Mavericks prepare to officially welcome their top draft pick, Cooper Flagg, into the NBA during the highly anticipated season opener against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday at the American Airlines Center. Having played four preseason games for a total of 86 minutes, Flagg will be making his regular-season debut in a matchup that also marks the return of Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who has been sidelined since February due to a blood clot diagnosis.
Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson expressed confidence in his team’s preparations, acknowledging that even without extensive footage of Flagg competing in regular-season games, he knows they are up against formidable talent. The decision to feature both the Spurs and Mavericks on national television underscores the significance of the season opener, which will showcase multiple generational talents. Alongside Flagg and Wembanyama, the rosters include former top draft picks like Mavericks’ Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, the latter currently recovering from an ACL injury.
The thrill surrounding Wednesday night’s game intensifies with the presence of the last two NBA Rookie of the Year award recipients, Wembanyama and the Spurs’ Stephon Castle, as well as this year’s top prospect in Flagg. Spurs guard Dylan Harper, the second overall pick, will also make an appearance, adding to the game’s star power.
“This is going to be a fantastic matchup,” said Spurs forward Julian Champagnie. “Both teams have high expectations, and it should produce some exciting basketball.”
Historically, the Spurs and Mavericks have shared an emphasis on their opening games, with Dallas clinching victory in their previous two encounters on opening night. Johnson, who is stepping into his first season opener as head coach, highlighted the increased visibility games receive due to significant players like Flagg and Wembanyama.
Flagg enters the league with lofty expectations, having been acclaimed as the most thrilling prospect since Wembanyama himself, and his versatility became apparent during the preseason. With Irving out, Flagg is likely to take on more responsibilities, potentially playing at point guard.
“He has been fantastic and exactly what we need. His rookie season is unique because the team around him allows him to play freely without the pressure,” said Davis, reflecting on his own much-anticipated debut in 2012.
While Flagg’s experience against NBA-level competition is limited, he remains a familiar face to the Spurs, having previously scrimmaged against a Team USA select squad prepared for the Olympics. Johnson noted Flagg’s fearlessness during that encounter, and rookie Carter Bryant is eager for the challenge of facing a player who eliminated his college team in the NCAA tournament’s Sweet Sixteen.
Wembanyama recently remarked on Flagg’s intensity on the court, indicating respect for the game’s youthful players who bring passion and determination. As the teams prepare to take the floor, the anticipation only grows for the new season, with hopes that Flagg will deliver on the promise he has shown in preseason play.
As fans eagerly count down to tip-off, they can expect a thrilling introduction to a season marked by rising stars and untapped potential, as both teams look to make early statements in the NBA landscape.