Dirk Nowitzki knows greatness when he sees it, and he’s not holding back on his thoughts about Cooper Flagg. Speaking recently, the Mavericks legend gave a glowing review of the 18-year-old rookie, calling him “the real deal” and insisting the hype is completely justified.
“The hype is real, for sure,” said the legend in an event for the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation. “The sky’s the limit, honestly. Just the way he reads the game already at that age. He’s athletic, skilled, and I’ve heard his work ethic is through the roof. Everything that I’ve seen and heard is that he’s the real deal. Just the way he can score the ball in multiple ways and can defend multiple players.”
Dirk Nowitzki is undoubtedly the greatest player in Mavericks history. As a champion, MVP, 14x All-Star, and 12x All-NBA player, he’s done things for the franchise nobody else has, and it’s resulted in an unbreakable legacy.
After a 21-year career, all with the Mavericks, Dirk retired in 2019, but he’s been heavily involved with the franchise as an advisor, mentor, and symbol for the team. Of course, everything changed when the Mavs’ former owner, Mark Cuban, sold the team.
Dirk’s role was effectively reduced overnight, and they did not seek his consultation as they made the trade for Luka Doncic. Just like everyone else, Nowitzki was shocked by the trade, and it’s something that he’s still working to get over.
Still, his loyalty remains with the Mavericks, and that became clear with his stance on Flagg. The 18-year-old swingman was drafted first overall in 2025, and he’s already facing massive pressure to live up to expectations. As the key to their future, Flagg will make or break the team’s next chapter, and (fortunately) he has embraced the challenge.
With averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 48.1% shooting at Duke, Flagg can do it all and has shown flashes of superstar potential. This summer, he’s using every method at his disposal to ensure a smooth transition and maximize his impact alongside Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving (when he returns). While the Mavericks don’t have any concrete plans for Flagg, they have hinted at using him as a point forward during times when they want to go bigger.
Even before his first NBA game, the signs are there that Flagg is a superstar in the making, and Dirk isn’t the only one to give him praise. Mark Cuban raved about his skillset, and Blake Griffin described his game as totally “complete.” That doesn’t count former NBA executive Bob Myers, who said he’ll impact winning more than Victor Wembanyama did during his rookie campaign.
So while there are still plenty of lingering feelings surrounding the Luka Doncic trade, Mavs fans have found new hope in Flagg and what he brings to the table. It’s too soon to start comparisons, but his game looks like it can fill the void left by No. 77’s departure.
For Mavericks fans, Flagg represents more than just the future; he’s a reminder that even after the toughest losses, hope can rise again. If Dirk’s stamp of approval means anything, Dallas has every reason to believe they’ve found their next cornerstone.
