The Dallas Mavericks have a new face of the franchise, and with it comes a fresh wave of excitement for fans. After the Mavericks made the controversial decision to trade Luka Doncic, many Mavs supporters still feel the sting of that move. But if there’s one bright spot in the midst of that drama, it’s the arrival of Cooper Flagg, who the Mavs selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Flagg, a former Duke standout, is expected to be the new cornerstone superstar for the team. And if there’s anyone who knows what it’s like to carry the weight of Mavs fans’ expectations, it’s Dirk Nowitzki. Nowitzki, who led the Mavericks to their only NBA championship in 2011, has seen the highs and lows of the franchise. Even though he’s distanced himself a bit since Doncic’s departure, Nowitzki made sure to reach out to Flagg and offer a warm welcome.
Dirk’s First Message to Cooper Flagg: ‘I’m Just a Phone Call Away’
Before Doncic took the reins in Dallas, it was Nowitzki who was the face of the franchise, earning legendary status with his clutch performances and leadership. So, it’s no surprise that Nowitzki reached out to Flagg after the Mavericks picked him first overall.
Here’s the message Dirk sent: “Hey welcome. Obviously, congrats on being the first pick and welcome to Dallas. If there’s anything you ever need, I don’t know, advice, dinner, or basketball or whatever, I am just a phone call away.”
That’s the kind of mentorship Flagg can look forward to—just like Nowitzki once offered Luka. It must be reassuring for Flagg to know that, alongside mentors like Anthony Davis, the legend himself is there if he needs guidance or a friendly word of advice.
Dirk Reflects on His Role with Luka Doncic
When Doncic entered the NBA in 2018, it was also Nowitzki’s final season with the Mavericks. At the time, Nowitzki was meant to mentor the rookie, but as we all know, Luka didn’t exactly need much guidance.
Nowitzki reflected on his time with Luka: “I was supposed to mentor Luka, but Luka, the way he read the game, he was so smart. His IQ was out of this world. He should have probably mentored me on reading the game and how to see the game. So he didn’t need much from me at all.”
It’s clear that Doncic is a once-in-a-generation talent, and his rise has been nothing short of spectacular. As for Flagg, the pressure is now on to see if he can follow in those footsteps. If he can, he may very well live up to the massive expectations placed on him by the Mavericks—though the shadow of Luka will always loom large.
Either way, one thing’s for sure: Dirk Nowitzki will be there to guide Flagg as he begins his own journey in Dallas. The question now is, will Flagg become the next Mavs legend? Time will tell.
