Cooper Flagg names the one Dallas icon he dreams of becoming

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In his first season in the NBA, Cooper Flagg carried a level of responsibility rarely seen from a rookie. With Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving sidelined, Flagg stepped into a leading role and became the focal point of the team’s efforts throughout the season. Although the Mavericks ultimately missed out on a playoff berth, Flagg’s performances firmly established him as a player the franchise can build around for years to come.

Now, Flagg appears eager to continue his journey in Dallas for the long haul. During a recent appearance on the Almost Athletes with Dude Perfect show, the young star revealed that Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki has been a major source of inspiration when it comes to envisioning his future with the franchise.

“100%. I would like nothing more than that. You look at someone like Dirk, his legacy, there’s nothing that touches that. To be that loved by a city. I don’t think you can dream of anything else,” Flagg said.

Nowitzki spent all 21 seasons of his NBA career with the Mavericks. His reputation for loyalty became one of the defining aspects of his legacy that reached its peak when he guided Dallas to the 2011 NBA Championship.

For the Mavericks, Flagg has emerged at a crucial time. Following the fallout from the Luka Doncic trade, Dallas needed a new face of the franchise, and Flagg has quickly stepped into that role. While Doncic was unable to deliver a championship during his time with the organization, Flagg now has an opportunity to create his own legacy and potentially bring another title to Dallas.

The rookie has already provided plenty of reasons for optimism. Across 70 games during his debut campaign, Flagg averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. His stellar all-around production earned him the 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year award.