As Cooper Flagg's pre-draft visit to Dallas generates buzz throughout the basketball world, NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal has offered perhaps the most unexpected player comparison yet for the presumptive No. 1 overall pick.
In a recent interview with The Dallas News, O'Neal compared the Duke standout to Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki, saying: "He's a great all-around player. I don't want to put too much pressure on him, but a little baby Dirk? Could be. When Dirk came in, Dirk was raw like that. He just worked on his game and trained and got on the trails and got with management, and he just became a great player."
The comparison between Flagg and Nowitzki has raised eyebrows among draft analysts and basketball observers, as the two players possess markedly different skill sets and playing styles. Flagg has established himself as a versatile two-way force during his lone season at Duke, showcasing elite defensive instincts, rim protection ability and the athleticism to guard multiple positions.
His offensive game, while still developing, centers around his basketball IQ, passing ability and improving jump shot. Nowitzki, on the other hand, entered the NBA as a revolutionary offensive talent whose defensive capabilities were consistently questioned throughout his career. The German icon’s legendary fadeaway jumper and scoring prowess made him one of the most unstoppable offensive players in NBA history, but he was often criticized for his defensive limitations until later in his career.
O'Neal’s description of Flagg as “raw” also diverges from most scouting reports on the 18-year-old prospect. Draft experts have consistently praised Flagg for his polish and basketball maturity, viewing him as one of the more NBA-ready prospects in recent memory. During his recent workout with the Mavericks, sources described Flagg as a “complete beast” who “shot the ball insanely well,” further reinforcing the narrative that he’s anything but raw. Unlike Nowitzki, who needed several seasons to develop into an elite player, Flagg is expected to contribute immediately on both ends of the floor for whichever team selects him.
While the basketball comparison may not hold water, there is significance in O’Neal’s comments given his ties to the Dallas area. The Hall of Famer owns a home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and has deep business connections throughout Texas, including recent investments in local companies.
O’Neal has expressed strong interest in making Texas his permanent home, telling WFAA he’s “75 percent sure” he’ll move to Texas full-time. His endorsement of the Mavericks' draft choice carries weight given his knowledge of the organization and the Dallas market.
Rather than the offensive-minded, defensively-questioned player that Nowitzki was early in his career, Flagg projects as an immediate defensive anchor who can guard positions 1-5. His offensive upside remains significant, but his impact will likely come through his versatility, basketball IQ and ability to affect winning in multiple ways. O’Neal believes Dallas provides the right environment for Flagg’s development, noting that “the good thing about the NBA and our culture and Texas culture, they're gonna give you room to breathe” compared to larger markets like Los Angeles or New York.
Flagg may not be a “baby Dirk,” but in Dallas, he may be given every opportunity to create his own legendary path.