The Dallas Mavericks are navigating one of the most dramatic transitions in franchise history.
After trading away Luka Doncic-a generational talent who redefined the Mavericks post-Dirk era, the team has turned its focus to 18-year-old rookie Cooper Flagg.
But while the front office looks to the future, fans are struggling to let go of the past.
The trouble began during what should have been a moment of excitement. At a recent team showcase, Mavs Film Room posted a visual timeline detailing the team’s rise from 2018 to today.
Surprisingly, the name Luka Doncic was nowhere to be found. The omission sparked immediate outrage online.
“It’s like Luka never existed in Dallas,” one fan posted, sharing Doncic‘s remarkable stats: 450 games, 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game.
Instead of being honored, Doncic appeared erased from the official narrative-a move that felt like revisionist history to many supporters.
“So disrespectful holy sh*t lol,” added another fan.
After all, it was Doncic who gave Dallas its identity in the post-Nowitzki years, earning chants of “M-V-P” in multiple languages and inspiring July 6 to be declared Luka Doncic Day in Dallas County in 2021.
Cooper Flagg brings hope, but fans want closure
Cooper Flagg‘s arrival was meant to symbolize hope. The 18-year-old forward from Maine averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in his lone season at Duke and enters the league as the betting favorite for Rookie of the Year. But even his early comments stirred unease.
“It’s an incredible place to live,” Flagg said of Dallas-a simple, innocent remark that added to the narrative that Doncic had already been forgotten.
Adding complexity, Texas native and football star Patrick Mahomes commented on the transition, acknowledging how hard the trade was for fans to accept.
“I still love my guy Luka, no matter what,” he said, while also expressing belief in Flagg‘s potential.
“My man’s got a chance. Man, we got some hope again in Dallas.”
But the pain among fans remains raw. Social media posts questioned how the Mavericks could celebrate recent achievements, like the 2022 Western Conference Finals and the 2024 NBA Finals, without acknowledging the player who helped make them possible.
“I guess Dwight Powell and Jalen Brunson carried that team in 2022 WCF and Kyrie in 2024 Finals,” one fan joked.
Some attempted to rationalize the snub, suggesting the team might be waiting until Doncic retires to fully honor him. But many saw it differently.
“Everyone deserves a decent funeral,” former GM Donnie Nelson told Slovenian outlet Ekipa 24, referencing Doncic’s departure. “Luka didn’t get one.”
Meanwhile, conspiracy theories have swirled around how Dallas landed the No. 1 overall pick despite just a 1.8 percent chance.
Some believe the lottery luck was a reward from the league after sending Doncic to the Lakers.
As Flagg begins his career, the pressure is enormous. He’s not just expected to play at a high level, he’s stepping into the shoes of a legend.
For the Mavericks, the challenge will be to build something new without ignoring the legacy of the superstar who put them back on the map.
Read the full article here
