Cooper Flagg’s admission of ‘loyalty’ may be bittersweet for fans

DALLAS — When the word “loyalty” is used around Dallas Mavericks mixed emotions often surface these days. On the one hand, there is a statue in front of the American Airlines Center Dirk Nowitzki centered on the idea of ​​loyalty. On the other hand, Mavs trading Luka Doncic in the middle of the night in early February 2025 cannot be ignored either. Cooper Flagg discussed the topic of loyalty after the Mavs’ 116-114 overtime win over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, and while his early-career commitment to Dallas is sure to excite fans, the switch from just over 10 months ago may leave some fans feeling bitter about the situation.

“Loyalty has always been a big thing for me,” Flagg he told reporters. “I think it’s just being where my feet are. I’ve loved every minute of being here. No matter what city I’d be in, I’d love it, you know, no matter what. I feel like I’m living the dream… I’m trying to live where my feet are and enjoy this environment. I mean, everyone here in Dallas has been so amazing. I wouldn’t want to be a fool for how long I can be here.

“Whatever happens, happens. But I just try to enjoy life one day at a time and take what I’m given, and I just feel really blessed.”

Cooper Flagg is finding his groove on the floor. He recently scored a career-high 42 points and added 23 more on Thursday against the Pistons. The The Mavericks are also playing improved basketball after a disappointing start to the season.

Obviously, he wins over the fans too. All the fans yell “Flagg” during the national anthem whenever that part of the song comes up. When Flagg goes downhill during games, the entire arena goes silent in anticipation before cheers erupt when the 18-year-old throws down a big dunk.

Still, Flagg’s acknowledgment of “loyalty” comes less than a year after Doncic was shockingly traded. As a result, some fans are hesitant to fully embrace the new superstar. There was real heartbreak when Luka was moved.

As someone who has followed the team all season, I can say that Cooper Flagg is the real deal, and I hope he spends his career in Dallas. The fans deserve another franchise superstar to fully embrace. As Flagg said, “Whatever happens, happens,” but fans shouldn’t be worried about the future right now.

We are witnessing the beginning of a potentially legendary career. Time to sit back and watch this generational talent continue to rise in the NBA.