‘He’s the Real Deal’: Devin Booker Praises Cooper Flagg After Phoenix Suns’ Win Over Dallas Mavericks [Exclusive]

Rashad MillerNovember 21, 2025November 21, 2025no comment

Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, Devin Booker, NBA

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker offered strong praise for Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg on Friday night, highlighting the 18-year-old’s maturity after Phoenix’s 123–114 victory at American Airlines Center.

Booker, speaking after the game, praised Flagg’s early-season poise and versatility.

“Oh yeah, he’s the real deal,” Booker told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “He’s in a great situation too — they’re giving him the ball, letting him rock, letting him bring it up the court. He’s playing in the post a lot too, so it’s a really mature game for how young he is.”

Cooper Flagg Showing Advanced Composure for His Age

Flagg won’t turn 19 until Dec. 21, but his early production has exceeded typical expectations for a teenager. Through 15 games, he has averaged 15.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while handling responsibilities rarely given to rookies.

Dallas has allowed him to initiate offense, push the ball in transition, and operate from the post. The Mavericks’ willingness to place him in those situations reflects the coaching staff’s confidence in his ability to process defenses and impact possessions in multiple ways.

A significant part of Flagg’s early readiness traces back to the summer, when he trained with the USA Basketball Select Team. Practicing against Olympic-level competition helped strengthen his physicality, sharpen his decision-making, and expose him to the communication and discipline required at the highest level.

Respect Rising Quickly Across the NBA

Booker’s assessment adds to the growing recognition Flagg is receiving from veterans around the NBA. Experienced players tend to identify quickly whether a young player’s success is sustainable, and Booker’s comments suggest Flagg has already earned that respect.

The Mavericks continue to search for stability during an uneven start to the season, and Friday’s loss added to that challenge. Even so, Flagg has emerged as one of Dallas’ most encouraging long-term pieces, contributing consistent scoring, rebounding and playmaking in an expanded role.

For an 18-year-old navigating his first NBA season, Flagg’s rise has been rapid. His production, maturity and growing league-wide reputation point toward a player developing faster than most — and drawing attention from stars who recognize it.