Cooper Flagg: A Rising Star in Dallas

Cooper Flagg is stepping into the NBA spotlight, and the Dallas Mavericks seem like the perfect fit for him. The 18-year-old, who just finished his freshman year at Duke, is already making waves. He was the top pick in the 2025 draft and will soon show his skills in the NBA Summer League. Grant Hill, a Hall of Famer, thinks Dallas is a great place for Flagg to grow. Hill knows a thing or two about being a rookie. He joined a team that won only 20 games when he started. Flagg, on the other hand, is joining a team that recently made it to the NBA Finals. Hill believes this winning culture will help Flagg develop quickly. The Mavericks are going through some changes after trading their star player, Luka Dončić. But they got lucky by winning the draft lottery and picking Flagg. Now, he's expected to lead the team into a new era. Flagg won't be alone. He'll have experienced teammates like Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson to guide him. Even though Irving is recovering from an injury, Flagg will still learn from some of the best in the game. Hill saw Flagg's potential firsthand last summer. He invited Flagg to practice with the USA Basketball Select Team. Hill was impressed by how well Flagg handled the pressure. By the second day, Flagg was one of the best players on the court, fearlessly competing against NBA veterans. At Duke, Flagg was a standout player. He led the team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. His all-around skills convinced many that he's ready for the NBA. Hill advises Flagg to enjoy the game and compete. He thinks Flagg is in a great spot to make an immediate impact and help the Mavericks win.