There’s plenty to process when it comes to the Dallas Mavericks. The “Fire Nico” chants feel unavoidable at this point. Many thought the team had moved past their Slovenian star, but that hasn’t happened. Adding Cooper Flagg has provided some support, but with him in a role that coach Jason Kidd views as a “marathon,” it’s unclear what anyone should expect, except for one person. Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, however, knew exactly what he was seeing tonight.
Nov 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) controls the ball as Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) and Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (13) defend during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
“High ceiling, great player, high IQ, can read plays, can get downhill, for his side to handle the ball and make plays for himself or for his teammates is incredible,” said Antetokounmpo after escaping with a 116-114 win over the struggling Mavs.
The Greek Freak’s confidence comes in part from knowing that his former mentor is now guiding the Mavericks’ next big talent.
Giannis Antetokounmpo praises Cooper Flagg with Jason Kidd
Jun 27, 2025; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks first overall pick Cooper Flagg (left) looks on with head coach Jason Kidd (right) at a press conference at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
“Obviously has a great coach, that will give him the opportunity to have the ball in his hand because that’s very important in our league and um you know especially when you’re young, 19, 20, 18 years old to have a coach that’s able to trust you with the ball down the stretch or trust you with the ball throughout the game. It’s a plus. It’s a blessing,” the Bucks superstar continued.
Jason Kidd knows well the pressures that come with being a lottery pick. A pattern can be seen in how the former player-turned-coach gave a young Giannis Antetokounmpo the freedom to handle the ball extensively. Adjusting to a new coach was certainly a challenge, but Kidd’s strategy worked, and Giannis nearly doubled his scoring in his second season with the Bucks, with his numbers continuing to rise in the years that followed.
Cooper Flagg is experiencing a similar freedom-focused approach, one that Luka Doncic also had. The 2025 NBA Draft’s top pick averages 2.3 turnovers per game, but Kidd isn’t concerned. He emphasized that the number doesn’t matter as long as Flagg is creating opportunities for his teammates. Kidd is focused on a long-term plan, much like the approach he used with Antetokounmpo.
Nov 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dribbles as Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) defends during the third quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Last night could be considered Cooper Flagg’s best performance early in his career. The Duke alum contributed 26 points while also hauling in nine rebounds, dishing out four assists, and adding two steals and a block. He did it with efficiency, connecting on 9 of 15 shots from the field.