Cooper Flagg walked into his first NBA media session with the weight of sky-high expectations on his shoulders. The Dallas Mavericks’ first overall pick knows everyone’s watching, waiting to see if he can live up to comparisons that put him alongside LeBron James and Kevin Garnett. But instead of cracking under pressure, Flagg showed exactly why Dallas believes they struck gold in the lottery.
How Will Cooper Flagg Handle the Massive Jump From Duke to Dallas?
ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins recently described Flagg’s unique skillset as “If LeBron James and Kevin Garnett had a baby.” Those are the kind of comparisons that can crush an 18-year-old rookie before he even steps on the court. However, Flagg showed remarkable maturity and honesty when addressing the challenge ahead.
The former Duke star shared his honest thoughts with the media about the massive adjustment from college to the NBA level.
“I mean, it’s tough, it’s always tough getting in a new setting, a new team. All these guys are going through this whole process. Some guys have done it for a couple years, some guys it’s the first time, like me. So it’s hard, it’s never easy, but I think we got a good group of guys and a lot of good players, so it should make it a little easier.”
Cooper Flagg admits the challenge of adjusting to a new situation is “tough,” but thinks having a “good group” of teammates will make things “easier.”#MFFL pic.twitter.com/1brEoXMBzP
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) July 8, 2025
That kind of self-awareness and realistic outlook suggests Flagg understands the challenge without being overwhelmed by it. He’s not pretending the transition will be easy, but he’s also not letting the pressure paralyze him. Instead, he’s focusing on what he can control and leaning on his new teammates for support.
Why Do the Mavericks Represent the Perfect Landing Spot for Flagg?
While the jump from college to the NBA is always massive, the Mavericks offer Flagg something most rookies can only dream of: a roster full of proven champions and future Hall of Famers. He’ll be playing alongside Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis, three players who have won championships and know what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
Beyond the star power, Flagg will be coached by Jason Kidd, one of the best point guards in NBA history. Kidd understands how to develop young talent while managing expectations, having guided the Mavericks through their championship run and playoff success in recent years.
Coach Kidd emphasized just how ideal this situation is for a rookie as he gave his thoughts to NBA TV about Flagg’s fit with the team:
“When you talk about a young player coming into our league, you couldn’t ask for a better situation. How to be a pro, get a routine, how to be prepared for practice…when you talk about AD, Kai, and Klay, you have great mentors.”
These aren’t just talented players, they’re seasoned professionals who can teach Flagg the daily habits and mental approach needed to thrive in the NBA. Irving’s creativity and clutch gene, Thompson’s shooting excellence and championship pedigree, and Davis’s two-way dominance provide Flagg with three different models of NBA success.
The mentorship aspect becomes even more valuable when you consider that Flagg won’t be expected to carry the team immediately. With Irving healthy and ready to return alongside Thompson and Davis, Flagg can develop at his own pace while contributing to a team with legitimate championship aspirations.
What Can Fans Expect From Flagg’s Summer League Debut?
All eyes will be on Flagg when he makes his highly anticipated Mavericks debut in the Las Vegas Summer League on July 10th at 8 p.m. against the Los Angeles Lakers. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, giving fans their first real look at how the top pick handles NBA-level competition.
Summer League represents the perfect testing ground for Flagg to begin his adjustment process. He’ll face other rookies and young players trying to make their mark, but in a lower-pressure environment than the regular season. It’s his chance to start building chemistry with his new teammates and getting comfortable in a Mavericks uniform.
For Dallas fans, this debut represents the beginning of what they hope will be a transformative era. When Irving returns to full health and joins Flagg, Thompson, and Davis on the court, the Mavericks will have a core that combines veteran championship experience with elite young talent. That combination has Mavs fans dreaming about banner number two hanging in the American Airlines Center.