LAS VEGAS (AP) — Cooper Flagg strolled into UNLV’s Thomas and Mack Center at 4:17 p.m. on Thursday, wearing Dallas Mavericks gear, bright white New Balance shoes, and an emotionless look on his face as he passed through security.

Knecht was selected in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft (No. 17 overall) by the Lakers. During his rookie season, he played 78 games, averaging 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 0.3 steals per game.

In his opening NBA action, top pick Cooper Flagg struggled against the Los Angeles Lakers. It had been a forgone conclusion he’d take the court for the Mavericks for months, with the team having landed the No. 1 overall pick in mid-May with just a 1.8% chance. But his debut likely didn’t go the way he planned.