‘Very Favorable First Impression’: What Went Down at Cooper Flagg’s Workout with the Mavericks?
DALLAS, TX — With the NBA Draft just around the corner, one name continues to generate buzz louder than most — Cooper Flagg. And now, after a closely watched private workout with the Dallas Mavericks, league insiders say Flagg may have just vaulted himself even higher on draft boards.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine), the 17-year-old phenom “made a very favorable first impression” during his pre-draft session with the Mavericks earlier this week. While the Mavericks are reportedly exploring various roster strategies, their interest in Flagg — and his performance behind closed doors — has sparked a wave of speculation across the league.
🔍 Inside the Workout: What Sources Are Saying
While much of the session remains confidential, multiple sources familiar with the workout described Flagg’s performance as “poised,” “efficient,” and “NBA-ready.”
“He looked like a pro,” one scout said. “He didn’t try to do too much. He played within himself, but you could still see the star potential dripping off every movement.”
Flagg reportedly impressed Mavericks coaches and front office personnel with:
Fluid mechanics on his jumper, especially from NBA three-point range
Elite defensive instincts, showcasing strong lateral movement and shot-contesting ability
High basketball IQ, particularly in pick-and-roll reads and decision-making
Controlled athleticism — not flashy, but powerful and intentional
🧠 Maturity Beyond His Years
At just 17, Flagg’s presence in a room full of professionals — including seasoned coaches and executives — didn’t go unnoticed. Multiple team staffers were said to be “blown away” by his composure and professionalism.
“He carried himself like he’s already been in the league,” another source noted. “You forget how young he really is when you watch him operate.”
This maturity may be a critical factor as teams weigh whether Flagg is ready to be a franchise cornerstone right out of the gate.
🔥 Why Dallas Is Watching Closely
The Mavericks, fresh off an NBA Finals appearance led by Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, currently sit outside the top tier of draft picks — but that hasn’t stopped them from evaluating elite prospects like Flagg. Whether through trade, future draft considerations, or strategic long-term planning, the Mavericks seem intrigued by what Flagg could offer.
“We’re always thinking two, three, five years ahead,” said a Mavericks front office source. “Cooper’s a player you build around.”
While it’s unlikely Dallas lands Flagg in this year’s draft given his expected top-tier selection status, the meeting could lay groundwork for future opportunities or deeper scouting ties.
📈 Cooper Flagg: The Hype Is Real
Flagg, the 6’9” forward out of Montverde Academy, is widely considered the top prospect in his class. Known for his two-way versatility, relentless motor, and quiet confidence, Flagg has drawn comparisons to players like Andrei Kirilenko, Shane Battier, and even a young Kevin Durant — though his style is uniquely his own.
After reclassifying to the 2024 high school class, Flagg committed to Duke University, where he is expected to play one year before declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft. But with NBA scouts already circling, his rise to stardom feels inevitable.
🗣️ The NBA World Reacts
The news of Flagg’s performance quickly made waves online:
“Cooper Flagg turning heads this early? He’s HIM.” – @NBADraftFiles
“Mavs doing their homework. Smart move.” – @MavsInsider
“He hasn’t even played a college minute yet and already has teams buzzing.” – @DraftExpress
Fans are already envisioning what a Luka–Flagg pairing might look like in the future — even if the timeline doesn’t quite line up yet.
