Once Irving returns from a torn ACL, probably two or three months into next season, a healthy Dallas starting lineup is likely to include three one-and-done Blue Devils. The Mavs got center Dereck Lively II with the 12th overall pick in 2023.

The Cooper Flagg era has officially begun as the Mavericks made him the No. 1 overall pick in Wednesday night’s NBA draft. Flagg, wearing a blue three-piece suit with a black tie, walked across the Barclays Center stage to shake the hand of commissioner Adam Silver, fulfilling a longstanding dream of reaching the NBA.

Spurs take Dylan Harper second, 76ers pick VJ Edgecombe third on a draft night devoid of big surprises near the top.