In This Story
Dallas Mavericks
Aug 5, 2025 6:43 PM EDT
Dallas Mavericks wing/forward and 2025 NBA Draft No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg will enter a situation in Dallas where he will have two former Duke Blue Devils to mentor and guide him as he begins his career.
Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively both starred as part of the “blue blood” college basketball program, and Flagg will look to tap into the Duke brotherhood to prepare for the rigors of an NBA season.
Irving is recovering from ACL surgery but he will certainly still be a steadying and veteran presence in the locker room throughout his rehab process.
Lively is off to an exceptional start to his young career, and at just 21 years old, the 7-1 big man is oozing with potential.
“I’m making sure that he’s feeling as comfortable as possible, giving him any little detail or any little thing to give him. Because whenever I was in his position, I remember how frightened I was, and I was only 19 and he’s 18,” Lively said.
Flagg is coming into the league with major expectations, as according to FanDuel, he is a heavy favorite to win Rookie of the Year next season with -185 odds.
However, Lively knows his rookie teammate is a grounded individual that stays true to himself without letting outside pressures knock him off his mark.
“I’ve probably known him for a couple of years now, at least two or three years, and he’s just been the same, just smiling, cracking joke kid as I’ve always known,” Lively said. “I’m glad that he’s been able to still be a person and not having too much of the spotlight just rain on him.
“No matter if he’s in the gym, no matter if he’s come by the house, he’s always just had a smile on his face, and he’s always just being Coop.”
Flagg is poised to thrive in the NBA, where he will be equipped with mentorship, maturity and a mindset built for long-term success.
About the Author
Jamal Baker