Cooper Flagg, one of the most talked-about rookies, recently joined the Dallas Mavericks with the No. 1 pick. Despite his young age, he brings impressive energy and confidence to the court. Early on, Flagg is already surprising fans and fellow teammates with his skill set and potential to make an immediate impact.
Veteran point guard Kyrie Irving watched him closely against the Los Angeles Lakers in his Summer League debut. At first, he was curious, but soon he started to respect what Flagg was doing. It was clear something exciting was brewing.
Cooper Flagg Impresses Veteran Kyrie Irving with Smooth Jumpshot
Flagg stunned everyone when he hit a smooth jumpshot that had Irving leaping to his feet in applause. The clip, shared by Yahoo Sports on X with the caption “Kyrie on his feet for Cooper Flagg 👏,” shows the rookie’s shot earning instant praise.
Kyrie on his feet for Cooper Flagg 👏
(via @espn)
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 11, 2025
Flagg’s shot demonstrated more than just flash. His performance in the summer league demonstrated his consistent effort. During his time with the Duke Blue Devils, his long-range shooting skills were a question mark, and he didn’t make any of his five attempts from deep on Thursday. Yet, analysts remain optimistic about him finding his stroke.
Flagg finished his Blue Devils season averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, shooting 48.1 percent overall and 38.5 percent from three over 37 games. That balanced stat line made him the top prospect in June’s NBA Draft.
Irving says he feels a strong bond with Flagg, pointing out how calm and focused the young rookie is under pressure. Irving said, “We definitely are connected,” and brought up how both of them played at Blue Devils, which gives them something in common.
MORE: Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg Breaks Silence on Performance vs. Lakers
Irving also sees things in Flagg that remind him of his journey. He seems excited about the chance to work with Flagg, whether that means teaming up on the court or helping guide him through his first NBA season.
In Dallas, players like Irving and Anthony Davis view Flagg as a crucial component of the team’s future. General manager Nico Harrison picked Flagg first overall after making the bold move to trade away Luka Dončić. Flagg’s arrival suggests he was rewarded for that transgression.
Shams Charania has called the Mavericks’ new frontcourt the best in the NBA, and it’s easy to see why. “What Nico Harrison, the general manager of the Dallas Mavericks, is building is arguably the best frontcourt in the NBA,” Charania said during an appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up.”
The NBA Summer League marked Flagg’s first real challenge. He made his debut on July 10 in Las Vegas against the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Mavericks won, 87-85. In 32 minutes of play, he showed his all-around game by scoring 10 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing out 4 assists. He struggles to shoot but contributed defensively with 3 steals and 1 block. The coaches are closely monitoring his consistency in shooting and his dedication to defense.
Soon, the focus will shift to the regular season. With Irving still rehabbing and Davis easing back from surgery, Dallas will lean on Flagg earlier than expected. His smooth jumpshot and calm under pressure suggest he is not just talented; he is prepared to contribute from the jump.
With Irving’s support and a smooth shooting stroke, Flagg has the tools to become a key scorer and reliable floor spacer. If he finds his rhythm early, it could change the way the Mavericks run their offense by adding speed, space, and a new level of versatility.
