Dallas Maverick has a bright future led by their valuable newcomer, Cooper Flag. He has all the possibilities in the world, but Shaquille O’Neal wants to pump the brakes a bit.
The NBA has seen many top prospects shine in their first year. Victor Wenbanyama was the best example of this in recent history. Like Wenbanyama, Cooper Flags receive a similar amount of hype. The excitement is passing through the roof of the new Dallas Mavericks star.
Despite all this hype, it could also be that he struggles. That could lead to some harsh criticism that could drive him out of his game. Everyone knows he can withstand it, but Shaquille O’Neal wants people to calm down with all the hype.
He knows Flagg is talented, but some people may be outboard with excitement for newcomers. Flag is still a teenager, so it’s natural to start slowly from time to time. Given that he has all the tools to become a star, talent should ultimately win.
As a player who joined the NBA in 1992 with a lot of hype, O’Neal knows what it’s like to be a Flagg. They were both great prospects coming out of the university. Today, Flag is the cornerstone of the franchise.
The pressure to run is important, but Flagg has no choice but to continue playing. That’s what he has to do as a future star. Thankfully, the Mavericks have the right players around him. Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving are also stars. With these veterans, he can adjust naturally.
O’Neal knows that the Mavericks organization is excellent at helping young players shine. They did it with Luka Donsic and they do it with flagg.
“I met him in the summer league. I saw the highlights. He looked phenomenal. I can’t put too much pressure on him because I have to realize he’s an 18 year old,” O’Neal told RG Media.
“From my experience, you’re two years before you start saying it’s time for people to really win. But I think he’s far above that 18-year-old curve.”
“The good thing about this organization, the Mavericks, they’re going to treat him well, and this fanbase definitely will treat him well.
It’s no surprise that Flag was the number one overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. He solidified his place even before he went to Duke as his most promising outlook. Flagg has all the defensive tools to become a star while becoming a versatile offensive player.
Coach Jason Kidd even plans to give a person in charge as a ball handler. It allows him to become a dangerous player in the league as he can score, defend and become a playmaker. He can grow into it, but he probably won’t be that good in his first year.
Davis and Irving were teammates and he managed to take a bit of the back seat. But he takes the baton and runs in the long run. That’s what the Mavericks planned and they’re the right thing to do. Mitigating him into the role of a superstar is the best approach and could help him adapt to the league.