Dirk Nowitzki Drops Surprising Praise: Mavericks Rookie Could Be Franchise Savior

Can a rookie really carry the weight of a franchise dreaming big again? Dirk Nowitzki—yes, the Dallas Mavericks’ legend himself—thinks so, and his praise for rookie Cooper Flagg rings loud and clear: “the real deal.” Nowitzki’s not just throwing out empty hype, either; he’s been watching Flagg closely, sizing him up with that seasoned eye only a Hall of Famer can claim. After Luka Doncic’s departure left Maverick faithful feeling a bit adrift, Flagg arrives like a fresh gust of hope, ready to turn the page for a team desperate for a new chapter. It’s fascinating to see how a player barely out of college can spark that kind of excitement—but then again, when Dirk talks, the basketball world listens. So, is Cooper Flagg poised to rewrite the Mavericks’ future, or are we just getting swept up in one more dazzling draft-day dream? Let’s dive in.

Dirk Nowitzki may be retired, but he still loves basketball, and he really loves his Dallas Mavericks.

Therefore, he only wants the best for them and pays close attention to the state of the team.

The Mavericks are about to experience their first season with rookie Cooper Flagg.

Nowitzki has been paying close attention to Flagg and thinks he’s worth the hype.

“I mean, the hype was real for sure. I’m not the biggest college sports watcher in general, whether that’s basketball or any sport, but of course I had to check out Cooper and yeah, I mean, the sky’s the limit. Honestly, what I saw, just the way he reads the game already at that age of being barely 18. Athletic, skills, I heard his work ethic is through the roof. So everything that I’ve saw and heard is that, you know, he’s the real deal. The real deal,” Nowitzki said.

Dirk Nowitzki on Cooper Flagg:

“I mean, the hype was real for sure. I'm not the biggest college sports watcher in general, whether that's basketball or any sport, but of course I had to check out Cooper and yeah, I mean, the sky's the limit. Honestly, what I saw, just the way he… pic.twitter.com/sI8BFquzM2

— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) September 16, 2025

Flagg has been on the radar of just about every basketball fan for a few years.

As he fought his way through college, people agreed that he was earning his place as the No. 1 draft pick.

However, few people thought the Mavericks would be the team to acquire him.

But they lucked out with their draft position, and there was no question that they’d sign him.

He is coming to the Mavericks at the perfect time because they felt all hope was lost when Luka Doncic moved to the Los Angeles Lakers.

But Flagg could start a brand new chapter for this team, and all eyes are on him.

Nowitzki knows a thing or two about leading this franchise, and he understands how it feels to play with great expectations.

Like everyone else, he is sold on Flagg and eager to see him get started.

The post Dirk Nowitzki Says Mavericks Rookie Is ‘The Real Deal’ appeared first on The Cold Wire.