When 18-year-old newcomer Cooper Flagg arrived in Dallas as the No. 1 pick, all eyes were on his court production. What caught team veteran Dereck Lively II‘s attention, however, was the unexpected nickname the rookie bestowed upon him: “Unc.”
Lively, a 21-year-old big man just a few years Flagg‘s senior, chuckled at the moniker, admitting he’d let it slide once or twice and observed that it’s part of what “bringing that sort of immaturity makes everybody loose.”
Flagg enters the league with significant credentials despite his youth. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and concluded his only season at Duke averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
His performances earned him both the Wooden and Naismith National Player of the Year awards, underscoring his ability to perform at a high level against elite competition.
Reflecting on Flagg‘s presence in the locker room and practice sessions, Lively noted Flagg’s teasing of his older teammates.
“He’s still the youngest in the gym. He’s always trying to crack a joke, to poke fun at the old guys, which is hilarious,” Lively commented.
“I make sure he doesn’t bring that towards me because I’m not that old. I let him call me ‘Unc’ once or twice because I’m a dad, but we ain’t letting it slide any more,” Lively explained.
Integrating a young talent into a veteran team
Flagg joins a Mavericks team that reorganised this summer and is looking for its new identity.
Injured point guard Kyrie Irving and center Lively are both former Duke players who played under coach Mike Krzyzewski, providing Flagg with familiar guidance.
Alongside veterans such as Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and head coach Jason Kidd, Flagg is surrounded by players with championship experience and deep knowledge of the professional game.
Jason Kidd addressed Flagg‘s transition into the league, explaining, “We just want Cooper to be an 18-year-old who’s going to turn 19 in December and be a kid, enjoy this journey. He is surrounded with a lot of positive energy, a lot of wisdom in the game of basketball. So far he’s passed every test.”
Kidd‘s approach emphasizes measured development while allowing Flagg to gain experience without undue pressure.
During the preseason, Kidd tested Flagg in a point guard role in Irving’s absence as he rehabilitates a torn ACL. Across four games, Flagg averaged 11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 21.8 minutes per game.
His performance demonstrated versatility and composure, suggesting that he can contribute immediately while adjusting to the professional pace and physicality.
The Mavericks‘ strategy balances nurturing Flagg‘s development with maintaining competitiveness. By surrounding him with experienced teammates and providing structured opportunities, the team aims to integrate the rookie effectively without compromising overall performance.
From Flagg‘s perspective, the jump from college standout to NBA Rookie of the Year contender comes with more than just X’s and O’s. As detailed in an exclusive, he’s emphasised staying grounded and surrounding himself with a strong support system.
Flagg‘s adaptation, learning curve, and collaboration with veterans will likely shape both his early career trajectory and the Mavericks‘ season.
As the regular season begins, attention will focus on how Flagg navigates his first NBA games, how he builds rapport with teammates, and how he manages the expectations of being a No. 1 overall pick while still in his teens.
The coming weeks will provide insight into both his individual development and the team’s ability to support young talent in a competitive environment.
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