During this Wednesday’s episode of “First Take,” ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith offered his thoughts on the Dallas Mavericks potentially drafting Cooper Flagg. 

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The Mavericks only had a 1.8 percent chance at landing the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, and yet, they won the lottery on Monday. Just about every analyst believes they’ll select Flagg with the top pick. After all, the Duke star has already been labeled a generational talent.

Flagg led Duke to the Final Four this past season, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. Mavericks CEO Rick Welts didn’t spoil the team’s plans for the No. 1 pick, but he did say Flagg’s résumé is “pretty strong.”

While Flagg’s production on the court is undeniable, Smith floated out another reason why the Duke star would be a great fit in Dallas.

Stephen A. Smith at the NBA Draft.

BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 26: Stephen A. Smith looks on during the 2024 NBA Draft – Round One on June 26, 2024 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Luther Schlaifer/NBAE via Getty Images)

Luther Schlaifer/Getty Images

Smith believes Mavericks fans would welcome Flagg with open arms because he’s white. No, we’re not kidding.

“When you got somebody with that kind of potential and they’re white and you are in America, you keep that dude,” Smith said. “I’m not thinking about drafting somebody else. I’m taking Cooper Flagg.”

Smith continued, “Texas is different. And in Dallas, Texas, if you got an opportunity to get Cooper Flagg, you take Cooper Flagg – especially when you just let go of Luka Doncic.”

These remarks from Smith came across as “racist” and “divisive.” At least that’s what media members and NBA fans said on social media.

“What does being white have to do with this? This is a stupid take,” college basketball insider Jeff Goodman said.

“Whether he is white or not, Cooper Flagg is considered a ‘can’t miss’ player with high, high upside by basically every single NBA executive. That’s why you don’t trade him. It’s got nothing to do with him being white.”

NBA Draft news: Cooper Flagg declares after one year at Duke | Fox News

“Why must race be brought into everything,” one fan asked.

“Race-baiting clown. Par for the course though for him,” a second fan said.

“Wow Screamin A brought up Race on a sports show,” another fan wrote on X.

This isn’t the last time that Smith will say something controversial on “First Take,” make no mistake about it.

Do you think Smith crossed the line with his remarks about Flagg?