Mavericks Fans Modify 'star-spangled Banner' Tradition To Salute Rookie Cooper Flagg

The Cooper Flagg era has officially begun successful Dallas. Ahead of nan newest No. 1 pick's debut for nan Mavericks astatine location against nan Spurs Wednesday, nan fans wrong American Airlines Center had a typical extremity of nan headdress prepared for their caller star.

During "The Star-Spangled Banner" up of nan game, Mavs fans outcry nan connection "stars" arsenic a motion to nan NHL's Stars, pinch whom they stock a building. On Wednesday, they yelled "flag" arsenic good arsenic a cleanable salute for their ain Flagg—who was connected nan verge of opening his NBA career. Check retired nan cool infinitesimal below, pointed retired by Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News:

Flagg arrived successful Dallas aft nan Mavs saw unthinkable luck to triumph nan NBA draught lottery, entering pinch only a 1.8% chance to locomotion distant pinch nan apical pick. Winning nan Flagg sweepstakes was a activity of caller aerial aft a play smeared by the jaw-dropping Luka Dončić trade that sent nan longtime instrumentality favourite to nan Lakers.

The presence of nan guardant marks a caller era successful Dallas arsenic he stars alongside guardant Anthony Davis and yet defender Kyrie Irving erstwhile he returns from a torn ACL that he suffered successful March. On nan floor, Flagg was held scoreless successful nan first half of his debut against nan Spurs. He grabbed six rebounds, though, and nearly threw down an alley-oop from Davis for an awesome first bucket.

Even if nan 18-year-old Duke merchandise needs immoderate clip to set to nan adjacent level, he already has nan full fanbase down him.

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