‘Just Excited And Blessed’: Cooper Flagg Set For NBA Debut As Dallas Mavericks Host San Antonio Spurs
Cooper Flagg is on the verge of a moment that has been years in the making. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft will make his official debut Wednesday night when the Dallas Mavericks open the season at home against the San Antonio Spurs.
“Everything — the whole experience,” Flagg said after Tuesday’s practice. “Playing my first real game, starting a great season, and journey with this team. I think we have a really good chance of being successful, so I’m just excited for it.”
Flagg’s debut comes after a preseason that validated his status as one of the NBA’s most anticipated prospects. Across four preseason games, he averaged 11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 21.7 minutes per contest, showing flashes of maturity and versatility well beyond his age. His best outing came against the Lakers, when he scored 13 points in 28 minutes, finishing 5-of-11 from the floor.
“I’m a little bit of everything — nerves, anxiousness, excitement,” Flagg said. “Just dealing with all of it. But being around AD, Kyrie, Klay, and our depth takes that pressure off me. I just focus on being myself and helping the team win.”
Jason Kidd Sees a Confident, Composed Rookie
For Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, Flagg’s poise and instincts have been the story of training camp. Kidd, who made his own debut as a 20-year-old rookie three decades ago, said the 18-year-old forward already operates with the control of a seasoned player.
“What you’ve seen in preseason — he competes, makes plays, and has fun out there,” Kidd said. “I think you can look for a great season from Cooper.”
When asked if he’s passed along any advice about managing emotions or handling the spotlight, Kidd said he’s let Flagg experience the process on his own terms.
“No, the game’s changed. I don’t want to bore him with that story,” Kidd said with a laugh. “Everyone feels those emotions differently. My job is to make sure we’re prepared for a really good team in San Antonio and channel that emotion in a positive way.”
Kidd added that Flagg’s ability to process the game in real time has impressed both coaches and teammates.
“He has a really high basketball IQ,” Kidd said. “You can see it in the plays he makes on both ends. He understands the game at a high level for an 18-year-old, and that’ll only improve with more reps. We’re lucky to have him.”
Veteran Guidance and Locker Room Chemistry
Flagg’s transition to the professional level has been aided by the star-studded locker room around him. Playing alongside Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson has given the rookie access to an invaluable mix of knowledge and leadership.
“Probably D-Live for random stuff,” Flagg said, referring to Dereck Lively II. “On the court, Kyrie’s been really vocal, AD helps with spacing, and Klay’s been a great vet — vocal on and off the court.”
Kidd said those interactions are already shaping Flagg’s development. Having three No. 1 overall picks on the roster — Davis, Irving, and Thompson — has created a built-in mentorship group that Flagg has leaned on.
“It’s great to see the wisdom we have on this team,” Kidd said. “AD, Kai, and Klay are helping him in a positive way. The group cheers for Cooper and wants him to be successful. They push him in practice.”
Flagg said that guidance has helped him slow down and play with more patience — something that was evident by the final two preseason games, when his reads and defensive positioning looked sharper.
“Just being comfortable — slowing down, making better decisions, and playing with more pace,” Flagg said. “That’s been the biggest thing during preseason.”
Finding a Role in the Supersized Lineup
The Mavericks’ “supersized” starting unit — with Davis, Lively, Flagg, P.J. Washington, and Thompson — will test opponents with length and interior strength rarely seen in the modern NBA. Kidd said the key will be sustaining tempo and using that size advantage to create open looks.
“We all want to play faster,” Kidd said. “The hit-ahead pass is going to be important because we are bigger. The pace was really good in preseason — our big group got downhill and made plays for one another. It starts with defense. If you rebound and keep them from scoring, that helps keep the pace up.”
Flagg echoed that vision, noting that movement and spacing will be essential to unlocking their offensive potential.
“Getting our shots and putting pressure on the rim,” he said. “We’ve got size, so we need to spray it out and take open looks with confidence.”
His connection with Davis, who often orchestrates from the high post, could be particularly impactful. Flagg said their chemistry has been a focus in camp.
“That’s something we’ve talked about a lot,” Flagg said. “Knowing when to cut and how to space properly will be huge for us.”
Embracing the Challenge of Facing Victor Wembanyama
Opening night brings an immediate test — a matchup against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. Flagg said he’s eager to face one of the league’s rising stars in his very first game.
“It’s exciting,” Flagg said. “They’re a really good team, and it’ll be fun to compete. I’ve seen film on Victor but never played him or even seen him in person. The guys say he’s like nothing you’ve seen before.”
Kidd acknowledged that Wembanyama’s presence poses a unique challenge, one that will require discipline and collective effort.
“When you talk about Victor, it’s hard to simulate his length,” Kidd said. “He’s one of the best players in the league. You just try to make it tough on him.”
Staying Grounded in the Moment
For all the spotlight surrounding his debut, Flagg has remained grounded. He credited his year at Duke and head coach Jon Scheyer for helping him learn how to prepare like a pro.
“Coach Scheyer runs it like a pro program — film, walkthroughs, everything,” Flagg said. “The biggest difference in the NBA is how fast you move on to the next team. You have to adjust quickly.”
Even so, Flagg admitted that it hasn’t fully sunk in that he’s now living his lifelong dream.
“I think so, but maybe not fully,” he said. “This is one of those moments I dreamed about — my first NBA game. I’m just excited and blessed.”
Family members from Maine will be in attendance at American Airlines Center, adding extra meaning to a night that already feels monumental.
“A lot of family from Maine,” Flagg said. “Some couldn’t make it, but I’ve gotten a lot of messages.”
The Mavericks will open a five-game homestand to begin the season — a stretch Kidd described as “five games in eight days.” For Flagg, it’s not just the start of a season, but the beginning of a journey that has been years in the making.
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