DALLAS - Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has made his team-building philosophy clear: Prioritize players who can make significant contributions

Naji Marshall was one of seven members of the Dallas Mavericks sitting courtside in Las Vegas last week, analyzing a competitive matchup between Cooper Flagg and Bronny James. The two summer league standouts were matched up against each other on three consecutive possessions,

Cooper Flagg has drawn national attention since being selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Mavericks, but one of the NBA’s most iconic figures says the best thing the 18-year-old can do right now is take his time.

Now, after averaging 20.5 points across two impressive Summer League games, Flagg is set to join a veteran-laden Mavericks roster that features Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, D’Angelo Russell, and, once healthy, fellow Duke alum Kyrie Irving.

To add to the accolades, Flagg won ESPN’s ESPY award for the 2025 Best Male College Athlete on Wednesday afternoon. 🏀 @DukeMBB ➡️ @dallasmavs @Cooper_Flagg takes home the @ESPYS Best College Athlete - Men's Sports award! 🏆 @MarchMadnessMBB x @MFinalFour pic.twitter.com/7jYKl1r0BK

Naji Marshall is convinced that the Dallas Mavericks struck gold with Cooper Flagg. And after watching two Summer League games, the five-year journeyman can’t wait to share the NBA court with him soon.

Channing Frye lists three things Cooper Flagg will benefit from the most in his rookie year: "It's like Caitlin Clark" originally appeared on Basketball Network. Cooper Flagg has been one of the main talking points in the basketball world for more than a year now, probably even before he ever played his first game for Duke.