Get ready for some friendly NBA banter! In a recent media day photo, Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, and Kyrie Irving, all NBA stars and former No. 1 draft picks, posed together, but little did they know, a playful ribbing was about to unfold.
Anthony Davis, the former Los Angeles Lakers star and now a Dallas Maverick, couldn't resist bringing up his 2012 NCAA championship win with Kentucky. With a cheeky grin, he pointed out that he's the only one among the trio who's tasted national glory.
"I'm looking at three No. 1 picks here, but only one of us has an NCAA title to show for it," Davis quipped. "And that's me!" he added, with a playful jab at his new teammates.
But here's where it gets interesting: both Irving and Flagg had their moments of glory during their college days. Irving, despite an injury-shortened 2011 season, reached the Sweet Sixteen, while Flagg had an outstanding 2025 season, winning the College Player of the Year award and leading Duke to the Final Four. However, as Davis pointed out, neither of them could bring home the ultimate prize - the NCAA championship.
"You can't spell Duke without the UK," Davis continued, referring to the University of Kentucky. "And I'm the only one here who's won a national championship."
So, will this friendly rivalry translate into on-court dominance for the Dallas Mavericks? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: with these stars on the same team, the Mavericks are sure to put on an exciting show.
And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the championships. It's about the journey, the hard work, and the passion these athletes bring to the game. So, what do you think? Is Davis' boastful claim justified, or do Irving and Flagg have a comeback story to tell? Let's discuss in the comments!
