DALLAS — As the dust settles from the NBA Draft and training camp ramps up, there’s one player at the center of the spotlight in Dallas: Cooper Flagg. The Mavericks’ No. 1 overall pick enters his rookie season with massive expectations—but the 19-year-old isn’t caught up in the hype. He’s staying grounded, focused, and ready to embrace the grind.
“Man, it still doesn’t feel real sometimes,” Flagg admitted. “To go through that journey with my family, be surrounded by the people who supported me every step—it was unforgettable. But now it’s about work.”
From the outside, it’s easy to peg Flagg as basketball’s next superstar. But beneath the accolades and viral highlights is a kid who built his foundation far from the spotlight—on a pea farm in Maine.
“We used to wake up early, go out in the sun, and pick peas for hours,” Flagg said, laughing. “It taught me a lot—discipline, work ethic, toughness. And I wasn’t doing it alone. My high school teammates were right there with me. That experience helped us bond, and it translated to the court.”
Now in Dallas, Flagg is adjusting to the NBA pace, but already showing flashes of what made him the top pick. He’s stepping into a Mavericks locker room that features a dynamic mix of size, length, and ball-handling versatility. And head coach Jason Kidd is handing him the keys—at least part-time.
“We’ve talked about letting things flow,” Flagg said. “Whether it’s me, PJ [Washington], Max [Christie], whoever—it’s about getting stops and going. I don’t have to be the primary ball handler, but I’m comfortable pushing the break or initiating the offense.”
That versatility is what Kidd and the front office loved in Flagg’s game. He’s long, smart, and willing to do the little things—not just chase stats.
“I’m just trying to be myself. Play my game. Impact winning however I can,” Flagg said. “Coach Kidd has emphasized how we have a bunch of guys who can do a lot of different things. That gives us an edge.”
The rookie isn’t just soaking up film and reps. He’s also been soaking in moments—like attending the Ryder Cup and meeting none other than Michael Jordan.
“Unreal,” he said. “The Ryder Cup was insane. Never seen a golf environment like that. But meeting MJ? That was a dream. He’s the GOAT in our house. To have him take time for me—that meant a lot.”
And while Flagg stays laser-focused on his NBA debut, he hasn’t lost sight of the bigger picture.
“I’ve talked about Rookie of the Year. Of course I want that,” he said. “But for me, it’s about fitting in—playing with different lineups, doing whatever it takes. Impacting the game in small ways that help us win.”
There’s still much to prove. But Cooper Flagg isn’t here to follow footsteps. He’s in Dallas to blaze his own path. And if his mindset is any indication, the Mavericks may have landed more than just a top pick—they may have found their future.
