Cooper Flagg’s first NBA game won’t count in the standings, but it already carries the weight of months of anticipation. When the Dallas Mavericks open their preseason Monday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickies Arena, all eyes will be on the 18-year-old forward — the No. 1 overall pick who has spent training camp earning respect inside a veteran locker room. “Yeah, I’m excited,” Flagg said. “It’s obviously preseason, like you said, but it’s another step in the right direction, getting down the road and getting ready for the season. I’m excited to be able to get out there with the guys. We’ve been practicing and playing hard for a while now out here in the summer, so I’m excited to just get on the court and really play somebody else.”

Dallas Hoops Journal

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Cooper Flagg’s first NBA game won’t count in the …

Reporting by HoopsHype / Hoops Hype

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect