The Dallas Mavericks are rebuilding around Cooper Flagg, the newly-crowned NBA Rookie of the Year.
Cooper Flagg completed one of the most statistically dominant individual rookie campaigns in modern basketball history.
What happened?
The Mavericks had a disappointing 26-56 season due to injuries and a midseason roster reconstruction.
They are now focusing on asset management and building a cohesive roster from scratch.
Why it matters for Cooper Flagg
Illinois Fighting Illini freshman Keaton Wagler is the top choice as a Flagg running mate.
Wagler averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 44.5% shooting and 39.7% from three.
What comes next?
League sources indicate the Los Angeles Clippers, holding the No. 5 pick, aren't "head over heels" in love with Wagler.
This gives the Mavericks a chance to land Wagler without trading any assets.
The 6-foot-6 guard can control an offense or play a supporting role, making him an ideal partner for Flagg.
Wagler's athleticism is a concern, as he lacks elite lateral quickness and a fast first step.
He finished the college season without a single dunk.
At the NBA Combine, he measured 6-foot-5 barefoot and just 188 pounds.
Teams in the top ten are heavily scrutinizing this light frame and lack of burst.
This hesitation is the Mavericks' opportunity to land a highly skilled shooter.
Cooper Flagg's most significant weakness is his three-point shooting, connecting at just 29.7% from deep as a rookie.
Putting a nearly 40% shooter in the backcourt next to him relieves offensive pressure immediately.
The Mavericks pick ninth, and the math gets interesting if Wagler slips to them.
Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman projects Wagler as a 10-year NBA starter.
He can play like Luka Doncic or CJ McCollum, making him a versatile addition to the team.
The Mavericks' front office faces an offseason defined by asset management and roster building.
They want to find the right players to line up next to Cooper Flagg.
Wagler's fit makes sense on paper, and his skills would complement Flagg's all-around game.
The Mavericks are looking for a player who can help them build a cohesive roster.
Cooper Flagg is the key to their success, and finding the right running mate is crucial.
The NBA draft will be a crucial moment for the Mavericks, and they hope to land Wagler.
The team's future depends on making the right choices in the draft and free agency.
Cooper Flagg's rookie season was impressive, and he is expected to continue growing as a player.
The Mavericks need to surround him with talented players who can help him succeed.
Keaton Wagler is one of the top prospects in the draft, and the Mavericks would be lucky to land him.
The team's fans are excited about the possibility of Wagler joining the team.
The Mavericks' front office is working hard to build a winning roster around Cooper Flagg.
They are looking for players who can complement his skills and help the team succeed.
The NBA draft is a time of uncertainty, but the Mavericks are hopeful about their chances.
They believe that with the right players, they can build a cohesive roster and make a deep playoff run.
Cooper Flagg is the foundation of the team, and they need to find the right players to surround him.
The Mavericks are looking forward to the draft and the opportunity to land Keaton Wagler.