NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal just dropped a seismic statement, sending shockwaves through the basketball world. The towering big man didn’t merely praise Cooper Flagg, he warned the league: this kid from Duke is coming—and he’s going to dominate. Buckle up.
At a recent charity event in Dallas, O’Neal described Flagg as a “great young man,” showing faith not only in his talent but in his character—a rare endorsement from one of the sport’s greats . Drawing parallels to legendary Maverick Dirk Nowitzki, Shaq emphasized: “We all remember Dirk wasn’t Dirk when he first got here,” reminding fans that greatness demands patience and development .
Shaq didn’t mince words: Dallas is the perfect environment for Flagg’s rise. “Everything about this city, this organization—it’s going to be the right place,” he declared, urging everyone to stay cool and let the process unfold .
He knows what rookie pressure looks like. “He’s an 18-year-old kid,” Shaq warned, urging caution. “You can’t put too much pressure on him.” With time, Flagg’s star potential will shine—but only with the right expectations .
Even after just two standout games in the NBA Summer League, Flagg’s impact was undeniable. Shaq watched as fans and media buzzed—and he looked impressed . In Shaq’s words, “I’ve never seen a scenario so perfect for anybody.” A loaded Mavericks roster, the departure of Luka Dončić, and Flagg stepping into the void—all aligning for something big .
Across fan communities and analysts in the media, one sentiment dominates: Flagg is the real deal. Scouts compare him to Dirk; pundits see a future star; and Shaq? He sees a legacy in progress .
So NBA world: Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal just threw down the gauntlet—the rookie season of Cooper Flagg is not a drill. It’s a warning. Expect greatness, but be patient. The Mavericks and their newest phenom are just getting started.
Let the hype begin—Flagg’s arrival is no joke, and Shaq says you better take no rice.
