The Dallas Mavericks had one enemy when the franchise traded Luka Doncic. It was their general manager, Nico Harrison. He was the one explaining the decision and prioritizing defense when they got Anthony Davis. The general manager received death threats and a jarring reception whenever he showed his face. But one man can’t alone make such a major decision.

Doncic was due a $350 million extension had he stayed. Harrison, although controlling the roster, isn’t responsible for paying the Slovenian. That onus falls upon the ownership, which was taken over by the Adelson family from Mark Cuban. Hence, former Maverick Jim Jackson thinks their concerns about paying Doncic ultimately led to the decision.

“Are we paying 350 million for somebody we can’t trust? Nico can’t make that decision in his world by himself. Ownership got to sign,” he said on Podcast P.

This isn’t to say Nico Harrison didn’t initiate the idea. He might have been the mastermind behind it. However, the Adelson family comes from a line of owning casinos. Jackson doesn’t think they were too ecstatic about paying Luka Doncic such a lucrative sum either. He’s still convinced that it wouldn’t have happened with Mark Cuban.

“If you backtrack and look at the history with Luka and the Mavericks, it’s been some tension a little bit with Nico and upstairs. And when it hit, everybody’s like, you can’t do that,” Jackson revealed. Cuban did have a special relationship with Doncic and was visibly upset about the franchise deciding to trade the perennial All-Star. However, the Adelson’s didn’t hold the same type of loyalty towards Doncic.

But somehow, that decision has come back and resulted in paradise for the Mavericks. Jim Jackson, too is excited to see Cooper Flagg in action. But what does he expect from him?

Cooper Flagg is in the best place

The focus right now is all on Cooper Flagg. Touted as one of the best prospects, the 6’10” forward does carry heaps of expectations on his back. But his being in Dallas provides some relief to Jim Jackson. He’s seen the promise within Cooper Flagg up close. Jackson compares him to Jayson Tatum, but with an unmatchable motor that propels him.

Of course, as a star rookie coming in, Flagg is expected to deliver heavily. But what Jackson is pleased with is the fact that he doesn’t have to walk alone. He has a sensational veteran class besides him to help him learn how to win in the NBA.

“I like it from this perspective is that, like you said, Cooper doesn’t have to come in and kind of the weight of the world is on his shoulder. To have to be able to be a rookie, understand the league and win games and get the Mavericks team to a playoffs, wherever it may be,” he said on Podcast P.

Truly, the combination the Mavericks have is an ideal environment for Flagg. Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis are still two of the best players in the league. They have great depth on their roster, which enables Flagg to take his own time and realize his best role within the team. With such a heavy weight off him, it makes things a little easier.

But that won’t diminish the expectations the masses have of him personally. Cooper Flagg is still going to have the spotlight following him every time he steps out on the floor. But he relishes that opportunity and is hungry enough to make it his own. With everything he has shown, the Mavericks really have a fiery talent at their disposal. Do you think this team can challenge for the title right away with a healthy roster? Let us know your views in the comments below.