Dirk’s Endorsement: Cooper Flagg Poised to Lead Mavericks After Luka

A New Chapter in Dallas: The Post-Doncic Era

The Dallas Mavericks are turning a page. After a decade of being defined by Luka Dončić’s brilliance, the franchise finds itself at a crossroads: reshaping identity, redefining leadership, and setting fresh expectations. Enter Cooper Flagg, the 18-year-old rookie drafted first overall in 2025 with eyes, pressure, and hopes squarely fixed on him.

When someone like Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas’ all-time great and one of the most iconic Mavericks ever, publicly says that “the hype is real,” that young player gets not just encouragement, but a signal: you are now part of the legacy. And that is precisely what’s happening for Flagg. The Playoffs

Dirk Nowitzki’s Stamp of Approval

Dirk doesn’t speak lightly; his word in Dallas and throughout the NBA carries weight. In a recent appearance at a Dirk Nowitzki Foundation event, he described Flagg as “the real deal.” Not showroom patter, but a considered belief. Dirk noted Flagg’s ability to read the game, his athleticism, scoring in multiple ways, and defensive versatility.

What makes this more than a typical rookie praise is Dirk’s emotional investment. He has been the standard-bearer in Dallas for years, a champion, an MVP, a 14-time All-Star. Nowitzki’s legacy is bound up in what the Mavericks are to become. His support suggests he sees in Flagg qualities that transcend just raw talent. Maybe even someone who might one day carry a similar torch.

Cooper Flagg: College Stats & Profile

To see why the praise isn’t just hype, let’s look at what Flagg did leading into the NBA:

These numbers paint a picture of a “complete” player—someone not just focused on scoring, but contributing across the board: rebounding, passing, defending. That kind of versatility is especially valuable when a franchise wants to build around one star rather than feed into one. It allows more flexible lineups, smoother transitions, and less dependency on a single style.

Comparing Eras: Flagg vs. Luka, Dirks of Past vs. Present

It’s tempting and perhaps unfair to compare Flagg with Luka Dončić or with Dirk’s early years. But in some ways, those comparisons help us frame what’s at stake:

• Luka Dončić era: Since being drafted in 2018, Luka has carried Dallas forward with his scoring, playmaking, and basketball IQ. Many clutch moments, many triple-doubles, many memories. He was the gravitational center. Now, with portions of Luka’s presence gone (via trades or shifts), Dallas needs someone they can build around in a different way.

• Dirk’s early years: When Nowitzki was ascending, the Mavs built gradually around him, adding talent, refining the system, adjusting the strategy. There wasn’t sudden pressure to become top of the league immediately. There were growing pains. Flagg steps in not only with the weight of expectation, but with comparison to two different but intertwined legacies: Luka’s recent past, and Dirk’s long shadow.

• What’s changed: The NBA today is faster, more position-less, more focused on versatility. Big men dribble, wings handle, players switch positions. Flagg’s skillset seems to fit this shift—his passing, defense, and scoring versatility align well with what successful teams demand now more than ever.

The Pressure & Expectations

Flagg’s rookie year will come with enormous expectations. From fans, media, the Mavericks organization, and even former legends. Some of the pressures:

1. Becoming a face of the franchise right away
   The “face” role means marketing, leadership, consistency, not just performing in flashes, but often being the guy the team leans on in adversity.

2. Navigating rookie learning curves
   Physicality, pace, and defensive matchups in the NBA are tougher than in college. Decision-making accelerates, and mistakes are magnified. Adapting quickly will be essential.

3. Balancing supporting cast & systems
   Even stars need good surroundings, coaching, teammates, and system fit. Dallas has veterans (e.g., Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis) who can help, but alignment matters. How Flagg is used (point forward? stretch big roles?) will affect his trajectory.

4. Fan and legacy expectations
   When Dirk speaks, fans listen. They’ll expect to see flashes of “special.” If Flagg struggles early, comparisons and criticism will inevitably come. If he thrives, the narrative builds momentum fast.

What Dallas Might Be Betting On

Why are people in Dallas, including Dirk, so confident? Because Flagg offers:

Diversity: Plays in various positions, can score in various ways. That provides the lineup with flexibility.

Basketball IQ is high: At his age, he knows where to go, when to pass, and when to attack. Dirk quoted his reading of the game. It is that mental component that tends to divide future stars and just good rookies.

Work ethic and character: Dirk and others have been receiving reports that Flagg has a work ethic that is through the roof. The internal motivation is relevant at the time when external acclaim and pressure accumulate.

Possible to be a leader: Not only in figures, but in personalities, the way he presents himself, his reaction to failures. Performance is not the only thing that makes one a star, but the level of impact on the team culture.

My Perspective: Could Cooper Flagg Be the Next Great Maverick?

I believe Flagg has the ingredients to be something special. But “special” doesn’t always mean “instant superstardom.” Here’s how I see things:

• I would tell him to be patient in case I were his coach or mentor at this point. Let the rookie game come. Let him make mistakes. At times, he will shine in some nights, and the next night will require him to learn (defensively, decision-making when tired, etc.).
• The backing of such a person as Dirk goes a long way in not only an emotional way, but also in giving Flagg a breathing space. When a legend utters something good, then fans, as well as the front office, have fewer problems with allowing growth to occur.
• Consistency will be of the essence, especially on defense and during high-pressure situations. It is natural that scorers offend, but defense, making decisions in a slow situation, these are what usually make the difference between a superstar and a good player.
• In addition, mental resilience: it will be important to frame losses, manage expectations, and stay positive. It is a fickle fandom; injuries can occur, off nights can occur.

What We Should Watch Moving Forward

• The initial few NBA games: How he is adjusting to the pace, physicality, turnover rates, defensive rot, and how he manages the opposition of an experienced player.
• Playing: Will Dallas allow him to make errors, to be a playmaker in a few lineups, play a little offside, be a playmaker?
• Integration with veterans: How players such as Davis, Irving, and others can support or attack Flagg, how they can mentor him, whether they are available to build the roster around him, or it becomes a patchwork.
• Continued engagement of Dirk: The continued support of Nowitzki, whether he turns into a sort of mentor, perhaps even operating behind the scenes as a coach/staff member, assisting in the transition.
• Fan and media account: Any initial success will be hyped; any initial failure will be criticized. The manner of storytelling will influence the pressure, trust, expectations of a contract, and approvals.

Final Thoughts

Cooper Flagg coming to Dallas is not a rookie coming in. It could be a shift: a shift in time, as the time of Luka passes, to a new time. The words of Dirk Nowitzki are not mere praise; they are an appeal to faith, of a hall-of-fame player whose own career is interwoven with the meaning of Dallas to basketball.

Flagg possesses genuine potential. However, promise is not the goal; it is only the starting point. It is now the actual test: in the games, in the moments, in dealing with pressure, hardships, and anticipation. Should he make it just even once, he may end up being not only a good Mav, but a pillar, a pillar that history of the Dallas that follows Doncic.

I can hardly wait (as a fan) to see this play out, player of the month buzz, star comparisons will be made; the real greatness will be seen in cracks and challenges. But according to the evidence obtained, Cooper Flagg is probably the real thing.