October marks the beginning of a new NBA season, and few teams have generated as much buzz as the Dallas Mavericks.
After last season’s dramatic trade that sent Luka Doncic packing, the fanbase was left in disarray. But in a matter of months, excitement has returned thanks to the arrival of the No. 1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg.
Flagg, who dominated at Duke and earned National Player of the Year honors, is widely viewed as a generational talent. Yet what surprises most, including his new teammates, is that he’s still just 18 years old.
When veteran guard Klay Thompson sat down for an interview with Fox 4 Dallas-Fort Worth’s Samantha Gannon, even he was taken aback. “Dang, he’s only 18?” Thompson said with a laugh. “Wow, that’s incredible. I love Cooper’s whole approach to the game.”
Klay wasn’t just impressed by Flagg’s athleticism or on-court production, though those are undeniable. What stood out more was Flagg’s mindset. “He’s so receptive to information. He plays the right way, and that’s everything for a young player,” Thompson said. “You have to soak in all you can early, because it goes by fast.”
A champion’s approach to mentorship
Thompson, a four-time NBA champion and one of the most prolific shooters in league history, has embraced his evolving role as a mentor. He’s not just on the Mavericks to chase another title, he’s there to help guide the next era of stars.
“It’s a privilege,” he said. “I want to lead by example. I want Cooper to look back one day and say, ‘Klay was my vet. I learned from him.’ That’s more meaningful to me now than any big scoring night.”
Thompson’s team-first mindset is a refreshing contrast in a league where veteran stars can feel threatened by rising talent. Instead, he’s chosen to be a steadying force for Flagg, someone who can pass on knowledge, keep him grounded, and model professionalism every day.
Flagg, for his part, seems like the ideal young star to mentor. His maturity, high basketball IQ, and work ethic have already drawn praise across the league. During Summer League, he had a rocky debut but quickly bounced back, scoring 31 points in his second outing and showcasing his all-around game.
The Mavericks even shut him down afterward, not due to injury, but to keep him fresh and ready for the regular season.
With experienced leaders like Thompson, Kyrie Irving, and Anthony Davis around him, Flagg is walking into a rare situation for a top pick: a chance to learn, develop, and contribute on a team with championship aspirations. And if Thompson has anything to say about it, the kid won’t just grow, he’ll thrive.
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