The Luka Doncic era may be over in Dallas, but the Mavericks wasted no time ushering in their next face of the franchise. Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg made his presence felt immediately on Day 1 of training camp, and a viral video has NBA fans buzzing about what could be a generational talent.
Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, turned heads by going right at his veteran teammates. The clip circulating online showed Flagg flying in from the weakside to block Anthony Davis’ midrange jumper before the All-Star big man even saw him coming.
The crowd in the gym erupted, and the rookie didn’t stop there. On the very next possession, he swatted away a shot attempt from fellow Maverick Miles Kelly.
If his defense wasn’t enough, Cooper Flagg then showed off his offensive versatility. He calmly drained a deep pull-up three over Davis, followed by a corner triple that looked every bit as smooth as a seasoned veteran’s shot.
To cap off his highlight reel sequence, the 18-year-old attacked the lane, missed a floater, but immediately grabbed his own rebound and put it back in traffic. It was the kind of hustle play coaches love and teammates respect.
The video spread across social media in minutes, sparking bold comparisons. Fans marveled at his poise and two-way skill set, with some calling him the next Larry Bird. Others suggested his early career trajectory could mirror Jayson Tatum’s, while his defensive instincts drew Kawhi Leonard-like praise.
While those comparisons might be premature, the hype is understandable. Cooper Flagg arrived in Dallas with a reputation for relentless competitiveness and advanced basketball IQ.
For the Mavericks, this is exactly the kind of energy they hoped for after the seismic trade that sent Luka Doncic to Los Angeles. Pairing Flagg with Davis and a revamped roster gives Dallas both a defensive anchor and a versatile offensive option who doesn’t need to dominate the ball to make an impact.
Of course, camp highlights aren’t the same as NBA game speed. Flagg will get his first real test when the Mavericks face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in their preseason opener on Monday. But if Day 1 is any indication, Dallas may have found its next cornerstone.
The rookie didn’t just make a splash. He made a statement.
