Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, the former Duke Blue Devil and No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is already gaining a reputation—not just for his basketball brilliance, but for the unwavering support of his new squad. One veteran teammate has now made a public pledge—a protection commitment that echoes through the Mavericks locker room: *“I’ve got your back.”*
From the moment Flagg arrived in Dallas, his talent and maturity turned heads. Head coach Jason Kidd praised the 18‑year‑old’s poise, calling his two‑way game and court vision “amazing for someone who won’t turn 19 until December” . General Manager Nico Harrison made it clear Dallas had no intent of trading the draft slot—Flagg was the one . Franchise leaders see Flagg as both a piece of the immediate playoff puzzle and the future cornerstone .
He joins a star-studded locker room: Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and center Dereck Lively II—all former Duke alums. Lively, fresh from his Duke freshman season, has personally vowed to help Flagg adjust. “I’m making sure he’s comfortable,” Lively said, recalling his own rookie nerves. “I’ll give him any little thing. When I was in his shoes at 19, I was scared. He’s only 18.” That pledge of protection came through loud and clear . Davis, too, fondly remembered a viral moment when Flagg nailed a floater over him—and joked that he’s coming back for redemption in practice, but welcomed him to the Mavs family .
Even after Flagg’s rocky Summer League opener—a 5-for-21 shooting night—veteran guard Naji Marshall stepped up. “Cooper’s great, man,” Marshall said. “Being the No. 1 pick carries pressure—I think he shook off the nerves. Game Two? He drops 30. I’m excited to play with Coop and see him grow.” That’s championship-level backing in action .
Add to that glowing endorsements from outsiders: NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes called Flagg a future NBA titan, and LeBron James called him a “special” player with elite upside, praising his versatility and the veteran guidance he’ll receive from guys like Irving and Davis .
In short: The headline is more than hype—it’s a promise. The Mavericks rookie doesn’t just arrive in Dallas with elite talent—he arrives with a protective tribe. From mentorship to locker‑room pledge, the message is clear: Cooper “Coop” Flagg is surrounded—and teammates are ready to guard him as fiercely off‑court as he will defend on it.
