Mavs rookie Cooper Flagg returns to the lineup Thursday against the Hornets and former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel
Dallas Mavericks rookie phenom Cooper Flagg will return to the lineup Thursday night to take on the Charlotte Hornets.
Flagg will return against a familiar face on the opposing team, with former Duke Blue Devil teammate Kon Knueppel (18.6 ppg on 42.1% 3-point shooting) starring for the Hornets. The former college teammates currently lead all rookies in scoring. The Mavs held off Flagg in Wednesday’s 118-105 loss to Minnesota because of an ankle injury.
The Mavs will also honor former No. 1 overall pick Mark Aguirre with a jersey retirement ceremony at halftime. Aguirre spent the first 7 1/2 seasons of his 13-year NBA career in Dallas and was a three-time All-Star for the Mavs.
Announcement
Flagg was nothing short of stellar in his rookie season, leading all rookies in scoring 18.8 points per game, grabbing 6.4 rebounds and dishing out 4.1 assists. He has appeared in 43 of Dallas’ 47 games so far and started each one. His play has translated well into his first few months as a pro, and it appears the Mavs have found their franchise player to build around for the future.
Despite Flagg’s contributions this season, it has still been tough for Mavs fans. Veteran big man Anthony Davis has been unable to remain on the court due to injury, leaving him open to swirling trade rumors, and point guard Kyrie Irving has not yet returned from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury suffered last March.
In the team’s first full season without Luka Dončić, the Mavs are 19-28 as we approach the All-Star break and are currently in 11th place in the Western Conference. They are 3.5 games behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the last playing spot in the West.
Announcement
Dallas and Charlotte report Thursday at 8:30 pm ET from the American Airlines Center in Dallas.