‘Take Your Time’: Shaquille O’Neal Shares Advice for Cooper Flagg as Dallas Mavericks Rookie Begins NBA Career

Cooper Flagg has drawn national attention since being selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Mavericks, but one of the NBA’s most iconic figures says the best thing the 18-year-old can do right now is take his time.

Shaquille O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer, recently spoke with RG about his advice for Flagg. He offered guidance grounded in experience, accountability, and belief in both the player and the Mavericks organization.

“Just take your time,” O’Neal told RG. “The wonderful aspect of the NBA and the culture in Texas is that they will give you space to grow. In your first year, we want to see what you can accomplish. If you demonstrate your capabilities, by the second year, we will expect more from you. After that second year, there will be no room for excuses.”

Flagg made headlines with his 31-point Summer League performance against the San Antonio Spurs, showing off a blend of shot creation, toughness, and poise under pressure. But O’Neal emphasized that growth doesn’t happen overnight—even for the league’s brightest young talents.

“Everything about this city, this organization, it’s going to be the right place,” O’Neal said. “And then we’ll give him time to develop. We all remember Dirk [Nowitzki] wasn’t Dirk when he first got here. I think this is a great organization, a great town for him to start off his NBA career.”

O’Neal, who said he knows Flagg’s family well, pointed to the 18-year-old’s character and support system as strong indicators of long-term success.

“He comes from a solid family background,” O’Neal said. “He’s a talented player. The Mavs have always been a first-class organization. They will treat him well and teach him what he needs to know. I am excited to see him play.”

The Mavericks head into the season with a retooled roster that includes Flagg, Kyrie Irving, and Anthony Davis. O’Neal believes the group has the potential to make serious noise if healthy.

“I’ve always liked the Mavericks team,” he said. “I’d love to see them healthy playing at full strength. You look at it on paper — Cooper, Kyrie, A.D., and the rest — that’s a solid lineup.”

Still, O’Neal was clear that none of the talent matters without discipline and the right guidance. He stressed the importance of listening to the right people and staying grounded through early success.

“You must listen to the right people,” O’Neal said. “First and foremost, pay attention to your parents, the general manager, the trainer, and the coach. Additionally, whoever you choose as a friend on the team or mentor, value their input. If you start to stray and do your own thing just because you’ve made it and secured your financial success, things might not go as planned. The best quality I had as a rookie was that I always listened.”

As Flagg prepares for his first NBA season, O’Neal’s message resonates with both realism and optimism. He emphasizes the importance of learning, listening, and growing, and the results will follow.

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