Flagg is the second youngest player to ever be drafted No. 1 overall.
DALLAS — From the big shots and billionaires in attendance, you could tell it was a big deal.
But of all the people who showed up to welcome Cooper Flagg to Dallas on Friday, perhaps the most important people were young people.
Following his introductory press conference, Flagg took part in a basketball clinic with kids from the local Boys and Girls Club.
But what makes them so special?
“When someone asks what I did over the summer, this is one of the main things I’m going to talk about,” said 15-year-old Zydiah Hunter.
It’s a big improvement from what people had been talking about as older Mavericks fans are still reeling, bitter over the Luka Doncic trade, which is why this clinic is so important.
Kids are quick to forgive.
“It’s still settling in, but yes,” Hunter said.
In Flagg, these kids see hope and potential, but mostly — they see themselves.
Flagg is closer in age to these kids than he is to almost all his Mavericks teammates. He and these fledgling fans will grow up together, and maybe soon.
The Mavs have said they’re ready to win now, and if they do, it’ll be a teenager that leads the way.
“It’s unbelievable that he’s so talented at such a young age, and we’re very close in age,” Hunter said about Flagg.
Just look at this year’s champion. Oklahoma City is the second-youngest team to ever win the title. The team they beat, the Indiana Pacers, is also one of the youngest teams in the league.
Some people say defense wins championships, but these kids know young talent actually delivers.
“You can do it no matter how old you is,” said 13-year-old Levi Banks.