The Dallas Mavericks fanbase continues to process the blockbuster Luka Dončić trade, but now they have rookie Cooper Flagg to rally around. Landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft gave the organization a chance to rebuild and refocus, moving forward with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving as their core veterans.
Before Dončić established himself as the face of the franchise, the Mavericks celebrated Dirk Nowitzki’s legendary career. The Hall of Famer retired in 2019 but continues to maintain strong ties with the team, becoming an integral part of their off-court activities and community engagement efforts.
How Did Dirk Nowitzki React to Meeting Cooper Flagg?
Nowitzki hosted his annual tennis tournament for the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation in Dallas on September 13, which provided the perfect opportunity for him to meet the current Mavericks roster. This included Flagg, arguably their most celebrated rookie prospect in years.
When Nowitzki approached Flagg at the gym, his excitement was unmistakable as he embraced the young player with a broad smile. Flagg, dressed in exercise gear, appeared equally thrilled to meet the franchise legend. The two spent several minutes together, with the retired veteran clearly interested in connecting with the 18-year-old rookie.
“There he is!” Nowitzki can be heard saying as he enters. “How’re you doing?”
The meet up 🤝 #MFFL pic.twitter.com/rZgKVhi5Jg
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) September 13, 2025
Though most of their conversation was muffled by surrounding noise, the clip captured over 30 seconds of interaction between the two basketball icons. The moment provided a powerful visual of the franchise’s past meeting its future.
Fans responded enthusiastically to seeing Nowitzki interact with Flagg. Some noted that Flagg appeared slightly nervous about meeting the Mavericks legend, while most were simply happy to see Nowitzki back with the team, always ready to support their 2011 championship hero.
“The King of Dallas finally meets the new prince of Dallas. This brings me joy 💙,” one user wrote.
The King of Dallas finally meets the new prince of Dallas. This brings me joy 💙 https://t.co/Z3dLaTDRCM pic.twitter.com/QEl8gk2IwP
— Mr. Gif (@MrGif214) September 13, 2025
For some fans, this moment provided emotional healing: “My heart is healing”
“Awesome!!!! Dirk passed the torch!!!!” another fan wrote.
Awesome!!!! Dirk passed the torch!!!! https://t.co/hZrnL3bRz4
— PardonMyDallas (@PardonMyDallas) September 13, 2025
“God I’m so excited for this upcoming season. Love seeing these two meet,” one user said.
While some fans playfully warned the team not to trade Flagg in a few years, the overall response was overwhelmingly positive as supporters prepared for the new season. Additionally, Flagg participated in Nowitzki’s tennis tournament as one of the featured celebrity guests.
“Cooper, I heard, is not much of a tennis player, but his support means the world to us,” Nowitzki said. “We’re excited to host him, show him a good time, hang out a bit, yeah just get to know him and some other community leaders a little bit. Hopefully the Mavs will have him for a long, long time.”
What Does Nowitzki Think About Flagg’s Potential With the Mavericks?
During the same event, Nowitzki spoke extensively about Flagg and his athletic ability. Although the young Duke product has a long developmental journey ahead, both fans and Nowitzki are clearly excited to have him on board for the franchise’s next chapter.
“The hype is real, for sure,” said Nowitzki. “The sky’s the limit, honestly. Just the way he reads the game already at that age. He’s athletic, skilled, and I’ve heard his work ethic is through the roof. Everything that I’ve seen and heard is that he’s the real deal. Just the way he can score the ball in multiple ways and can defend multiple players.”
Nowitzki spent his entire 21-season career with the Mavericks, leading them to their first championship victory in 2011. He remains a beloved Dallas legend and continues to serve as an ambassador for the organization through his foundation work and community involvement.
With Flagg representing the organization’s new cornerstone, fans hope the franchise has positioned itself for multiple championships in the years ahead. The passing of the torch from Nowitzki to Flagg symbolizes both the team’s rich history and its promising future.
