After a standout season with the Duke Blue Devils, Cooper Flagg became the top pick in the NBA Draft, selected by the Dallas Mavericks. His entry into the league occurred at a pivotal time, with the franchise looking for a new cornerstone. In his debut during the Summer League, he showcased his ability to be a game-changer. Recognizing this potential, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal expressed high praise for Flagg, capturing the reasons behind his predicted success.
In a recent episode of The Big Podcast, the hosts delved into the prospects of the next NBA superstar. Shaquille O’Neal, an NBA legend, voiced his support for Cooper Flagg. “They’re laying it out for him. I’ve never seen a scenario so perfect for anybody. A team with a mega star, they get rid of him. They’re down. All of a sudden, they get a first pick. So, now you’re bringing in another potential mega star.”
Following Luka Doncic’s departure, the franchise lacked a definitive cornerstone for its future. Enter Cooper Flagg, a promising newcomer who appears to be the ideal solution to fill that void. His integration into a roster teeming with experienced veterans promises a smoother transition to NBA life, reducing the immediate pressure to deliver standout performances.
Moreover, Flagg’s scoring prowess, alongside his defensive skills and team-oriented mindset, align perfectly with head coach Jason Kidd‘s strategic vision. At first glance, he seems to be an outstanding fit for the team’s long-term goals.
DJ Steward #27 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives against Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half of a 2025 NBA Summer League
Cooper Flagg’s task will be to handle the pressure at the Dallas Mavericks
After a lackluster 2024-25 season, the Dallas Mavericks are determined to rise as top contenders, leveraging the leadership of Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, Kyrie Irving, and Daniel Gafford. Head coach Jason Kidd insists Cooper Flagg will not be leading the offense, yet the young player’s biggest challenge will likely be managing the relentless scrutiny and expectations accompanying his time in the spotlight.
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Cooper Flagg might not take center stage during his rookie season, especially with Anthony Davis eager to reclaim his status after a season marred by injuries. However, the playing time he does receive will be crucial, as he must demonstrate that his NCAA success can effectively transition to the NBA. His challenge will be to rise to the occasion and thrive amidst these heightened expectations.
Mavs executive shares surprising Cooper Flagg story that highlights his work ethic
While his initial appearance against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Summer League did not capture much attention, he swiftly made his mark in the following game against the San Antonio Spurs by delivering an impressive 31-point performance. Following this standout display, a Dallas Mavericks executive reportedly revealed a surprising request from Cooper Flagg that exemplifies his relentless drive to succeed.
“He shot like crap in his first game here (Las Vegas). In the second game, he dominated. We had a plan to play only two games. Cooper comes to the us and the coaches and asks to play a third game. We laughed and told him, ‘No. You’re good.’ And he goes, ‘I just don’t want people to think the good game was a fluke.’ All we could do was laugh, but it shows how much he wants to be great,” a Dallas Mavericks executive said, as per Keith Smith in Spotrac.
