The Dallas Mavericks made headlines when they secured the first pick in the 2025 draft, selecting the highly-touted prospect Cooper Flagg. Hailing from Duke University, Flagg has been touted as the next franchise cornerstone for the Mavericks, following in the footsteps of legends like Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic.
One person who sees immense potential in Flagg is Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban. Drawing comparisons to the late Kobe Bryant, Cuban highlighted the dedication and work ethic that both players share. Just like Bryant took time to develop his skills before entering the league, Cuban believes Flagg will need time to reach his full potential.
In a recent interview with Sportskeeda, Flagg’s trainer, Matt MacKenzie, shed light on the rookie’s mindset and work ethic. MacKenzie revealed that Flagg is his own harshest critic, constantly pushing himself to improve and striving for perfection. This dedication to self-improvement mirrors the famous “Mamba Mentality” that Bryant embodied throughout his career.
MacKenzie also discussed Flagg’s admiration for Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki. According to the trainer, Flagg has studied Nowitzki’s game extensively, learning how to use his length and skill to create scoring opportunities. MacKenzie expressed hope that Flagg and Nowitzki could form a mentorship relationship, with the veteran guiding the rookie through his early years in the league.
On the court, Flagg has already shown flashes of brilliance during the summer league games. Scoring 31 points in a close loss to the Spurs, Flagg has demonstrated his scoring prowess and versatility on the court. With a strong work ethic and a desire to learn from the best, Flagg seems poised for a successful career in the NBA.
Overall, Cooper Flagg’s journey to the NBA is just beginning, but the early signs are promising. With comparisons to legends like Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki, Flagg has the potential to leave a lasting impact on the Mavericks franchise. As he continues to hone his skills and learn from the best, the sky is the limit for this talented young player.
