Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki is aware of what it takes to change into a celebrity, and he believes 18-year-old rookie Cooper Flagg is already on the proper path.
“I imply, the hype was actual for positive. I’m not the largest faculty sports activities watcher normally, whether or not that’s basketball or any sport, however in fact I had to take a look at Cooper and yeah, I imply, the sky’s the restrict,” Nowitzki mentioned, by way of the Mavericks. “Truthfully, what I noticed, simply the best way he reads the sport already at that age of being barely 18… Athletic, expertise, I heard his work ethic is thru the roof. So all the things that I’ve noticed and heard is that, you understand, he’s the actual deal. The true deal.”
Flagg impressed throughout NBA Summer season League in Las Vegas, the place his versatility, scoring contact, and defensive instincts stood out. For Dallas, his arrival couldn’t come at a greater time. After a turbulent 2024-25 season that featured the stunning Luka Doncic commerce and a roster hampered by accidents, Flagg represents hope for a fanbase that badly wanted it.
When a franchise icon with a statue outdoors the sector makes such a daring proclamation, it carries weight.
“Mavs followers can clearly be very excited for his progress over the following few years,” Nowitzki continued. “However yeah, like I mentioned, the sky’s the restrict. Simply the best way he can rating the ball in a number of methods. He can defend a number of gamers… I believe he’s tremendous versatile already at a brilliant younger age, which is uncommon. Trying ahead to his rookie 12 months and see how he can regulate to the NBA. However yeah, like I mentioned, all the things goes effectively and he retains working, I believe the sky’s the restrict.”
With Nowitzki’s stamp of approval, anticipation round Flagg’s rookie season has reached one other degree. If {the teenager} lives as much as the reward, Dallas could have landed its subsequent cornerstone celebrity.
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