The highly prized rookie seems to be the future of the Dallas Mavericks.
When Luka Doncic was not yet sent to the Los Angeles Lakers, he was the face of Dallas that could bring another title to the city aside from Dirk Nowitzki.
However, tables have turned where they just got their first overall pick and acquired Cooper Flagg in the recent draft, placing their trust in becoming the next superstar.
The 18-year-old rookie opened up about his relationship with Nowitzki, who might be his future mentor, as they both looked forward to the franchise, just like Doncic did in his early years with the Mavericks.
“I’ve met up with Dirk a couple times. He’s just voiced to me if I ever need anything he’ll be around and he wants to be in my corner and be there for me…I would love to be able to meet up with him soon and grow our relationship. Obviously he’s a legend here in Dallas, so that would be amazing for me…”
For the Dallas legend, he also sent a message to Flagg in the previous regarding being better every single day, emphasizing the importance of a tremendous work ethic, as it was a long-term process, considering the rebuilding progress of the franchise after the blockbuster trade.
“I would just keep on working. I know you have a tremendous work ethic. So, you work your way through it,” Nowitzki said to Flagg. “You come in the next day. You’re the first in the gym. You get shots up.” Nowitzki told Flagg, according to the NBA on Prime.
“Get with an assistant coach. Watch film and you just get better. That’s the bottom line. Losing or not, you try to keep a positive attitude. You get there to get better every day. You play every position.”
Nowitzki also noted that being the face of the franchise means leading the team by taking his shot in the game winner, and if he fails, he just have to keep on going.
“You had a shot to get the game-winner the other day, or at least tie the game at the end — that’s great for you — great reps to be in that position. So, keep on working, my friend. Keep your head up and things will be OK,” he added.
In Flagg’s 12 games after their loss to the Phoenix Suns, he is averaging 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 42.1% from the field.
