Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki has thrown his support behind the franchise’s newest cornerstone, No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.
Speaking at his annual charity tennis event, Nowitzki told Christian Clark of The Athletic that Flagg has already made a strong impression on him despite being only 18 years old.
“The hype is real, for sure,” Nowitzki said. He added that Flagg’s ability to read the game, combined with his athleticism and reported work ethic, makes his ceiling “the sky.”
Flagg, drafted first overall in June after one standout season at Duke, joins Dallas at a pivotal time. The Mavericks won the lottery despite long odds, giving them a chance to rebuild quickly after trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers earlier this year.
In his lone college season, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 48 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range. His blend of scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility made him the consensus top prospect of the 2025 draft.
Dallas wasted no time locking him in, signing the forward on July 2. He debuted in Summer League with two games, posting averages of 20.5 points and 5 rebounds, though his shooting percentages showed room for growth.
Nowitzki’s endorsement carries weight for Mavericks fans who watched the German forward lead the franchise to its only championship in 2011. His belief in Flagg reflects the organization’s confidence that the young star can accelerate their new era.
The Mavericks’ roster heading into the 2025–26 season features veterans Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving (currently injured), and Klay Thompson, alongside Flagg. With Jason Kidd still at the helm, the team is banking on its mix of youth and experience to compete in a loaded Western Conference.
NBA scouts have already noted Flagg’s advanced defensive instincts and leadership qualities at his age. Nowitzki echoed those observations, pointing to Flagg’s maturity as one of his most striking traits.
With preseason training camp on the horizon, attention will shift to how Flagg adjusts to NBA competition. His development could determine whether Dallas makes an immediate playoff push or remains in a longer-term rebuild.
For Mavericks fans, hearing one of the game’s greatest forwards endorse their new face of the franchise is a promising sign. As Nowitzki put it, “everything I saw and heard is he’s the real deal.”
