Dirk Nowitzki was the face of the Dallas Mavericks for the better part of two decades, and he's got the utmost faith that Cooper Flagg will follow in his footsteps.
"He's had a terrific first season," Nowitzki told reporters Saturday at his foundation event, according to Abby Jones of DLLS Sports. "The hype that he had as a No. 1 pick, to basically live through that and exceed that hype, has been incredible to watch in Year 1.
"How he got better from week-to-week, from month-to-month. ... We all know he's a workaholic, loves hoops. That's all he does. He wants to get better, he wants to add things to his repertoire. So, I think he's gonna have a great second season and sky is the limit for him. Hopefully, we can watch him for the next decade plus."
Nowitzki added that he's met with Flagg "a few times" and is in contact with the young Mavs forward from time to time.
"I'll write him a few things when I see something," Nowitzki said. "He knows that I'm in his corner. I want him to succeed and do well, but like I said, he's so far ahead of the curve already at that age. But if there's ever anything that he needs, I'm more than happy to help."
Dallas won the 2025 draft lottery despite having only a 1.8% chance to earn the top overall selection. The Mavs used the No. 1 pick on Flagg, who narrowly beat out former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel for Rookie of the Year honors.
Flagg averaged 21 points, 6.7 boards, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals across 70 appearances last season. He joined Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and Luka Doncic as the only rookies to average at least 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists since the NBA-ABA merger.
Flagg also became the first teenager in NBA history to record a 50-point game.
