Cooper Flagg expresses excitement about teaming up with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving on the Mavericks

As expected, Cooper Flagg was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, landing with the Dallas Mavericks and injecting a wave of optimism into a franchise now poised to form a new-look trio alongside Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. With elite talent and high expectations already surrounding the Mavericks, Flagg’s arrival has fans and analysts buzzing.

Shortly after hearing his name called, Flagg delivered a message to Mavericks fans, expressing his excitement about joining the team. He shared his thoughts ahead of the official team press conference, embracing the opportunity to be part of a roster built to compete now.

Flagg made it clear he’s eager to soak up knowledge from the Mavericks’ championship-caliber veterans. With both Davis and Irving boasting extensive postseason experience, the 6-foot-9 forward views his early NBA journey as a chance to learn and evolve.

“Just being able to be a sponge — those guys have so much knowledge,” Flagg said. “They’ve been through so much, and they have so much experience that it’s just going to be an incredible opportunity for me to learn and grow under them.”

With Kyrie Irving still recovering from an ACL injury, Flagg is expected to make his NBA debut alongside Davis and Klay Thompson when the Mavericks open the 2025–26 regular season. In a loaded Western Conference, all eyes will be on how the top pick adjusts to the pro level. His first test will come in Summer League action, where Dallas will begin evaluating how he fits into their system.

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The buzz surrounding Flagg hasn’t stopped at scouting reports. Comparisons have already started rolling in, most notably from former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who attended the draft and later shared a playful take on Flagg’s personality. When asked about parallels to Dallas icon Dirk Nowitzki, Cuban highlighted the similarities between the two.

“Dirk would talk his game and tell you what he was going to do,” Cuban said. “And you see that with Cooper, too. Cooper likes to talk trash. The difference was… Dirk would say it in German and no one understood it. So now someone needs to ask him [Flagg] if he knows any foreign languages.”

Despite the hype, Flagg remains grounded. During his introductory press conference, he maintained a focused, humble approach. “I’m coming in just trying to learn and trying to get better every single day,” Flagg said. “I think I can do that to the best of my ability.”

The Mavericks’ new star wasn’t the only one making headlines. Following the draft, Anthony Davis welcomed Flagg with a congratulatory video message shared on the team’s social media channels. “From one number one overall pick to another, congratulations, man,” Davis said. “Welcome to Dallas — I’m thrilled to have you here. Enjoy this night with your family.”

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Davis even referenced their viral Team USA scrimmage moment from the previous summer, when Flagg drilled a three-pointer over him in Las Vegas. “I still remember that time you hit that three-pointer over me in Vegas last summer, so I’ve got to get you back for that… We’ll get some work in soon, but for now, enjoy your night and stay safe,” Davis added.