JJ Redick Drops Surprising Truths About Rising Star Cooper Flagg—What He Really Thinks Will Shock You

Is Cooper Flagg really the game-changer the Dallas Mavericks desperately need, or just another hyped rookie ready to fizzle under pressure? JJ Redick, never one to hold back his honest takes, throws his weight behind Flagg, calling him “his own special player” with defensive instincts and playmaking skills that surprise even seasoned veterans. As the Lakers eye supremacy in the Western Conference, could this 18-year-old phenom singlehandedly redefine Dallas’s destiny amid the chaos of missing stars like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving? Buckle up, because Flagg’s unique blend of offense and defense might just shatter expectations—and I’m all in on watching that unfold.

Los Angeles Lakers v Phoenix Suns — (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)

JJ Redick wants his Los Angeles Lakers to be the best team in the Western Conference this year, but he knows many challenges will get in the way of that.

One of the biggest will be incoming rookie Cooper Flagg, who has a chance of transforming the Dallas Mavericks.

Speaking to the press, Redick spoke about Flagg and said that he’s really unlike anyone who has come before him.

“He doesn’t really remind me of anybody. … Cooper is his own special player. I think his defensive instincts and playmaking ability far exceed most 18-year-olds,” Redick said.

JJ Redick on Cooper Flagg:

"He doesn’t really remind me of anybody. … Cooper is his own special player. I think his defensive instincts and playmaking ability far exceed most 18-year-olds."

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) October 16, 2025

Redick has joined the massive chorus of fans, analysts, coaches, and players who are blown away by Flagg.

Long before he was drafted by the Mavericks, many people knew that Flagg could be a once-in-a-generation player.

It’s not just his shooting ability and his length that make him so special; it’s also his defense, as Redick mentioned.

During his few preseason games, Flagg has already looked very comfortable on the court and has been great with his shot-making, as well as his assists and the way that he shuts down his opponents.

The Mavericks will need him to do a bit of everything during the new season.

They are starting their first campaign without Luka Doncic, and Kyrie Irving is out for months more with his injury.

The defense in Dallas should be intimidating, mostly due to Anthony Davis running the frontcourt, but Flagg chipping in with that will obviously help.

He’s the sort of young player who can make an impact on both ends of the court, and that’s why Redick and so many others are completely on board with Flagg.

The post JJ Redick Reveals Honest Thoughts About Cooper Flagg appeared first on The Cold Wire.