Cooper Flagg hasn’t stopped making headlines since the moment his name was called as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. The young forward took the college basketball world by storm in his lone season with Duke. He averaged 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four.
Now in the National Basketball Association, Flagg continues to draw attention, not just for his on-court potential, but also for his thoughtful takes off the court. His latest? A bold shoutout to Women’s National Basketball Association superstar Caitlin Clark.
Cooper Flagg Honors Caitlin Clark’s Game-Changing Impact
During his Mavericks introductory press conference on Friday, Flagg was asked a fun but loaded question: Who would be on his personal Mount Rushmore of WNBA legends?
Without hesitation, he named three all-time greats: Candace Parker, Brittney Griner, and A’ja Wilson. Then, pausing briefly as if to emphasize the significance of his final pick, he added Clark.
“In the WNBA, Candace Parker, Brittney Griner. I think A’ja Wilson is on there. I might put Caitlin Clark on there just because she’s changed the game so much, and it’s heading in the right direction. And I just love what she’s been able to do,” said Flagg during the interview.
Flagg’s admiration is not without merit.
Clark burst into the WNBA in 2024 after being selected first overall by the Indiana Fever. Her rookie season was nothing short of historic. She averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game.
Beyond just statistics, Clark shattered records. She scored more points, with 769, and dished out more assists, with 337, than any rookie before her.
Perhaps even more impactful than her on-court achievements has been Clark’s ability to elevate the WNBA’s profile. Her presence led to a popularity boom in the league. The average viewership per game in the WNBA increased dramatically in the 2024 season to 657,000 viewers per game, representing an outstanding improvement over the previous season.
In addition, StubHub stated that there was a 145% increase in ticket purchases compared to 2023. When it came to the sale of jerseys, Clark ranked second among all basketball players, even surpassing NBA stars LeBron James and Luka Dončić in overall sales for a period of time in 2024.
However, the 2025 season hasn’t been smooth sailing for Clark. She has been dealing with nagging injuries, including a left quadriceps strain that sidelined her for five games. Most recently, she missed a matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks on June 26, 2025, due to a groin issue.
Despite the setbacks, she has continued to contribute. This season, she has averaged 18.2 points, 8.9 assists, and 5.0 rebounds in nine games. Flagg’s early praise may seem bold to some, but for many fans, it feels earned.
