Mavs Stun NBA with Dončić Trade, Land Flagg as No. 1 Pick

Just over two years ago, the Dallas Mavericks made a surprising move when they traded away their star player, Luka Dončić. Now, the team's general manager, Nico Harrison, has pulled off another shocker, landing the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft. That pick turned out to be Cooper Flagg, an 18-year-old forward from Maine who was named the Naismith National Player of the Year after a standout season at Duke.

Flagg will make his highly anticipated NBA debut on Wednesday, facing off against the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs, who are looking to reach the playoffs for the first time in seven years, have undergone some changes of their own. Former longtime head coach Gregg Popovich has transitioned to the role of team president, with Mitch Johnson now leading the squad. The Spurs are also hoping for a breakout season from their franchise icon, 21-year-old center Victor Wembanyama, who missed the final two months of last season due to a blood clot issue but has since been cleared to return.

In another marquee matchup on Wednesday, the New York Knicks will host the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks, who made their first conference finals appearance since 2000 last season, have moved on from head coach Tom Thibodeau and hired Mike Brown to take over the team. Brown will be under the spotlight as he makes his Knicks coaching debut against a Cavaliers squad eager to put their second-round playoff exit behind them.