All things considered, the faster Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg can establish himself as an elite-level star in Dallas, the easier it will be for Nico Harrison and the team's front office, which has been the subject of intense hatred and vitriol from the fan base in the wake of its decision to trade away beloved star Luka Doncic in February.

"Fire Nico!" became the mantra of Mavs fans down the stretch of the season, a lot more common at American Airlines Center than, say, "Let's go Mavs!"

Of course, Harrison and the team's staff were granted a reprieve when they managed to pull off an astounding win at the NBA draft lottery, being gifted the No. 1 overall pick and one of the most anticipated prospects in recent memory, Cooper Flagg from Duke.

But can Flagg carry the Mavs all the way t

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