As the regular season approaches its end with less than a month to go—seriously, how is it nearly April?—it’s the perfect time to dive into the mailbag. As usual, send any questions via Instagram or X, and for longer inquiries, reach out to mannixmailbag@gmail.com. Let’s get started:
Cooper Flagg’s Draft Intentions
Are you taking any stock in the rumors that Cooper Flagg might stay at Duke for another season? I wouldn’t want to play for the Wizards either, but that doesn’t make sense to me.—Steven, Fairfax, Va.
Short answer, Steven: No. Longer answer: Absolutely not. I haven’t spoken with people close to Flagg, but no one in the NBA expects him to remain in college. It’s normal for a top prospect to feel lukewarm about the team that could draft him. The teams likely to get the top pick—the Charlotte Hornets, the Utah Jazz, and yes, the Washington Wizards—may not be appealing to Flagg for various reasons. Staying for an extra year at Duke? That’s unlikely.
Reasons Against Staying at Duke
The reasoning is two-fold. First, there’s the risk of injury. While career-ending injuries are relatively rare, a setback while playing for Duke could hurt Flagg’s draft stock and delay his professional career. Then there’s financial consideration. The reason many players rush to the NBA is to start benefitting from lucrative contracts. A player’s first NBA deal is decent, the second is better, and the third? That’s often the gateway to generational wealth. Players aim to maximize their contract opportunities.
Moreover, there’s no assurance Flagg would favor the teams that are expected to pick low in the upcoming draft.
Knicks’ Performance Assessment
After nearly a full season with Karl-Anthony Towns, I still don’t know if they’re better than last season’s team. What do you think?—Edward, White Plains, N.Y.
The loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday was bad. Blame it on a long road trip, Jalen Brunson’s injury, or underestimating a struggling Spurs team, but losing to such teams is unacceptable as the season nears its end.
The Knicks measure their performance against top-tier teams like Boston and Cleveland, and they haven’t beaten either this season. They excel in three-point shooting (37%) but take very few attempts (ranked 27th in the league).
Concern and Optimism for the Knicks
There are still reasons to be positive. With Mitchell Robinson back, the Knicks have improved defensively; since his return, they rank among the league’s top five defensive teams. Having a defensive presence like Robinson, together with Towns, has notably improved their performance.
Despite some alarming comments from former players, many fearing early playoff exits, I’m not ready to jump to that conclusion. The Knicks are comfortably positioned as the No. 3 seed, which likely sets them up against either Milwaukee or Detroit in the first round, and I trust them against both teams.
Phoenix Suns’ Future Outlook
It was frustrating to read Mat Ishbia’s comments in that ESPN article. While I admire an owner willing to go all in, doubling down on a bad situation seems unreasonable. What does the future hold for Phoenix?—Edward, Long Beach, Calif.
Like you, I appreciate Ishbia’s fierce approach. Since taking over, he’s demonstrated a commitment to the team. However, any moves they make that don’t involve a comprehensive rebuild are unlikely to generate meaningful results; they’re merely temporary fixes.
Potential Changes in the Suns’ Roster
It’s widely expected that the Suns will part ways with Kevin Durant this summer. He has a year remaining on his contract and retains substantial value despite approaching 37. I suspect Durant may want to reunite with Ime Udoka in Houston, which could place him on a contending team. Keep an eye on that after the current season.
The bigger question surrounds Devin Booker. Ishbia claims he’s not on the trading block, though I’m skeptical. The Suns control Booker through the 2027–28 season and there’s no rush, but he’s a highly valuable scorer at 28. Should they decide to trade him, several teams like Houston and Oklahoma City would undoubtedly be interested in making a compelling offer.
