Patrick Mahomes opens up on conflict supporting Cooper Flagg and Mavs without Luka Doncic

Patrick Mahomes is an outspoken supporter of both the Dallas Mavericks and the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Mahomes, a Texas native, has even built a strong connection with former Mavericks star Luka Doncic over the past few years.

However, during the past NBA season, Doncic was traded to the LA Lakers in what has been labeled as one of the biggest trades in sports history.

Despite the disappointing trade for many Mavericks fans, the Dallas franchise was able to get the No. 1 pick this year and selected superstar college basketball player Cooper Flagg.

While appearing on the Tuesday's "Up And Adams Show," Mahomes made clear that he was also a Duke basketball fan and had enjoyed watching Flagg perform last year for the Blue Devils.

"So I'm like, a very low-key Duke fan as well," Mahomes said. "I was growing up, JJ Redick, Sheldon Richardson, you know, like all the, all the guys, Sheldon Williams, all the guys that were just like my childhood. But obviously I'm a Texas Tech fan now, and so I watched Cooper Flagg last year, great player, and I was extremely excited for him to come to the Mavs."

Mahomes then continued by highlighting how both the Mavericks and Flagg will need to keep working hard to ensure they can fill the gap left by Doncic.

"We're gonna have to do a lot of work," Mahomes added. "He's going to continue to have to get better and better. And I still love my guy, Luka, no matter what, so I'll be rooting for him as well. But my man's got a chance. Man, we got some we got some hope again in Dallas."

What can Cooper Flagg bring to the Dallas Mavericks?

Cooper Flagg is a 6-foot-9, 205-pound forward who many expect will be a superstar in the NBA for years to come. During his lone season with Duke in 2024-25, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 30.6 minutes.

According to Bet365, Flagg is the early favorite to win the Rookie of the Year, with leading odds of -190. Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey has the next-best odds at +1000.

NBA Rookie of the Year Odds - Bet365