Cooper Flagg gets influential advice from a Dallas legend
on Thursday, Dallas Mavericks will retire the jersey of franchise legend Marco Aguirre. Before the game against the Charlotte Hornets, Aguirre spoke to the press and was not surprisingly asked about Cooper Flagg. Flagg was the Mavs’ first No. 1 overall pick since Aguirre in 1981, so he understands what Flagg is going through as a rookie. Aguirre revealed the advice he gave Flagg when he first spoke to the former Duke star.
“To be honest, I didn’t know much about Cooper, but I got to sit down and talk to him,” Aguirre said. “The first thing I talked to him about is don’t be afraid, you know, because you can’t go into this business, especially with a big target on your back. Everybody in the entire NBA knows who you are. … You can’t go into fear.
“I was the number one pick and I had so many guys behind me from day one. I was like, ‘Wow’ … And he’s been tested and he’s coming through it very well.”
of course Flagg was selected first overall in the 2025 NBA draft. He was ruled out of Wednesday’s game with an injury, but Flagg is available Thursday night. This is a big game for Flagg, as he will play on the same night that Aguirre will be honored by the team. Additionally, Flagg will face his former Duke teammate and rival for the 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year award, Kon Knuepel.
It should be a competitive game in Dallas. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM EST.
2026-01-30 01:23:00
