NBA HOFer Shaquille O'Neal Predicts Big Future for Dallas Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg After Standout Summer League
When a Hall of Fame icon like
Shaquille O'Neal
singles out a rookie for praise, fans take notice. His recent remarks about
Dallas Mavericks
newcomer Cooper Flagg
have created buzz throughout the basketball community - and with good reason.
Shaq's words reveal why he thinks Flagg is primed for success and why supporters should follow his journey closely.
Shaquille O'Neal Calls Cooper Flagg a 'Great Young Man' with Exceptional Potential
Shaquille O'Neal
, known for his unfiltered opinions, has spoken highly of Flagg in recent interviews, including at a charity event and during promotional appearances. 'Great young man. I know both his parents very, very well,' Shaq said, noting the strong foundation the rookie brings to Dallas.
Cooper Flagg (Image via Getty)
He compared Flagg's situation to Dirk Nowitzki's early years, reminding fans that even all-time greats needed time to develop.
'Everything about this city, this organization, it's going to be the right place. We'll give him time to develop. Dirk 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.'
Summer League Performance Confirms Shaq's Belief
Shaq has also been impressed with Flagg's on-court performance, particularly during the NBA Summer League. 'In the highlights, he looks phenomenal. You must realize he's an 18-year-old kid.
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You can't put too much pressure on him. From my experience, you get two years before people really start saying it's time to win, but I think he's way above that 18-year-old curve,' O'Neal said.
Flagg turned heads with a dominant 31-point game, showing poise and skill under pressure - a performance that backed up the hype.
What Makes Flagg Stand Out Among NBA Rookies
• Versatility Across Positions: Can defend multiple spots, run the offense, and contribute without dominating the ball.
• Maturity Beyond His Age: Displays strong decision-making and emotional control at just 18.
• Early Signs of Star Power: Proved he can thrive under the spotlight with his Summer League play.
• Balanced Perspective: Shaq urges patience, stressing that greatness takes time to fully develop.
Why Dallas Offers the Ideal Environment for Cooper Flagg's Growth
With deep ties to Texas, Shaquille O'Neal believes the Mavericks are the perfect team for
Cooper Flagg
. The roster - featuring Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving - provides veteran leadership and stability.
This allows Flagg to progress without the immediate pressure of carrying a franchise.
From Duke Dominance to NBA Expectations
Before stepping onto an NBA court, Cooper Flagg made waves at Duke, winning nearly every major player of the year award as a freshman. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four. His combination of athleticism, defensive instincts, and playmaking skill made him one of the most anticipated draft prospects in years.
Also read:
Why the Golden State Warriors Declined Sacramento Kings' Bold $77 Million Push for Jonathan Kuminga; Inside the Rejected Trade Offer
Shaq's Endorsement Signals Big Things Ahead
When one of the NBA's most dominant players ever publicly backs a rookie, it's a strong indication of future greatness. Shaquille O'Neal's belief in Cooper Flagg suggests the Mavericks may have landed their next cornerstone. With the team's support and Cooper Flagg's relentless work ethic, Dallas fans could be watching the rise of their next superstar - and Shaq will be among the first to say, 'I told you so.'
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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