The NBA fans in Dallas have some of the very distinct visuals from their glory days. A couple of years ago, they had what they used to call a one-legged jumper. It was Dirk Nowitzki drifting backward on one leg, releasing the ball just out of reach. That move defined a franchise along with winning games.
Now, even years after stepping away from the floor, Nowitzki is once again shaping the Mavericks’ future with Cooper Flagg from the studio.
Learnings took the spotlight in a new sit-down airing on NBA on Prime, where Nowitzki was breaking down the mechanics of his iconic one-legged fadeaway with Cooper Flagg.
The segment, promoted as “Dirk Nowitzki x Cooper Flagg”, offered a rare look at the passing of knowledge between the greatest player in franchise history and the Mavericks’ new cornerstone.
“You’ve been trying to load one leger. I’ll see you a little bit,” the former veteran said.
Dirk Nowitzki x Cooper Flagg 👀
— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) February 6, 2026
Tomorrow night on @NBAonPrime 🎥 pic.twitter.com/0HuVZYsvGf
To which the rookie phenom had a beautiful reply, saying, “Hey, gotta learn.”
Additionally, Nowitzki explained how the shot’s consistency came from what he called “train tracks”, ensuring the ball leaves the index and middle fingers last to keep the release straight.
“It’s hard to guard for sure. You kind of can use your leg as like a blocker shield, shield. Sure, it can’t be blocked,” Flagg added.
While the two initially connected at Nowitzki’s charity tennis event in 2025, this interview made the mentorship official. Nowitzki has already defended Flagg publicly during early shooting struggles.
Cooper Flagg Makes Honest Admission After Anthony Davis’ Trade
Just days earlier, the Dallas Mavericks officially closed the door on their short-lived win-now experiment by trading Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards, which made Flagg the unmistakable face of the franchise.
Speaking about the decision, Flagg didn’t pretend it was easy.
“It’s tough,” he said. “They were all amazing guys to be around, on and off the court. I wish them all the best and I’m just blessed to be here.”
Cooper Flagg on his reaction to the Anthony Davis trade & the #Mavs’ decision to build around him:
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) February 6, 2026
“It’s tough. They were all amazing guys to be around, on and off the court. I wish them all the best and I’m just blessed to be here.” pic.twitter.com/3awQIwHGTd
Meanwhile, Co-interim general manager Michael Finley framed the trade as a necessary step to surround Flagg with the right pieces, citing flexibility, draft capital, and long-term vision.
And Flagg’s play has justified that confidence. The 19-year-old recently became the first teenager in NBA history to post three straight 30-point games, including a 49-point eruption that reset expectations league-wide.
Now, with the roster reshaped and the responsibility undeniable, Flagg finds himself learning from the past while carrying the future.
Latest Dallas Mavericks News & Trade Rumors
- NBA News: Washington Wizards Star Anthony Davis To Sit Rest Of Season, Focus On Full Recovery
- NBA News: Sources: Anthony Davis, Trae Young May Not Play Much For Washington Wizards This Season
- NBA News: ‘I Want To See The Plan’: Anthony Davis Unsure About Washington Wizards After Dallas Mavericks Trade
- NBA News: Sources: Khris Middleton Plans To Join Dallas Mavericks On Saturday In San Antonio, Doubtful To Play
- NBA News: Optimism Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Dončić Avoided Major Hamstring Injury
- NBA News: Dallas Mavericks Didn’t Consult Rich Paul On Anthony Davis Trade To Washington Wizards
- NBA News: Inside The Washington Wizards’ Trade Gamble On Anthony Davis And The Dallas Mavericks’ Focus On Cooper Flagg
