Cooper Flagg Praised as New Mavericks Leader by Dirk Nowitzki, Jim Jackson

Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks' No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has drawn high praise from former Mavericks star Jim Jackson, who compared Flagg's playmaking ability and basketball IQ to that of LeBron James, emphasizing his unselfishness and constant energy. Flagg has started to build a relationship with Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki, who invited him to participate in his annual charity tennis event and offered advice on learning from veteran players and finding his own leadership style. Nowitzki encouraged Flagg to absorb knowledge about pregame routines, media interactions, and team dynamics while being authentic in his approach to leadership. Despite some concerns about Flagg's readiness to lead as a primary playmaker until Kyrie Irving returns, his work ethic and team-first mentality have been highlighted as key strengths. The Mavericks, undergoing a transitional period after trading Luka Doncic, are looking to Flagg as a potential franchise savior who respects the team's history and legacy. Flagg's integration with Mavericks icons and veteran players is seen as a positive step toward fostering his development and the team's future success.