Dallas Mavericks Star Dereck Lively II Shares Wholesome Story About Cooper Flagg’s Positivity, Says Future in Dallas Looks Scary Good

When a young NBA player speaks from the heart, fans tend to listen. When that same player is Dereck Lively II—one of the league’s brightest young big men—and he shares a touching story about another rising phenom in Cooper Flagg, it resonates. Lively recently opened up about his growing friendship and on-court partnership with Flagg, offering a wholesome glimpse into a Mavericks future that might just redefine basketball in Dallas.

In a recent interview after a Mavericks summer training session, Lively was asked about the adjustment to new teammates and his expectations for the season. But rather than deliver a generic response, he smiled and shifted the focus. “Cooper Flagg is something else, man,” Lively began. “The energy he brings every single day—it’s not fake. It’s real. It’s contagious. You walk into the gym and even if it’s 7 AM, he’s already bouncing around, smiling, hyping everybody up.”

That raw energy and authentic positivity have already made an impression on the Mavericks locker room. But it’s not just the vibes—Flagg, the top high school prospect who reclassified and was drafted early by Dallas, is backing up the hype with maturity, elite skills, and fearlessness beyond his years. It’s a rare thing for a 17-year-old to walk into an NBA practice facility and immediately feel like he belongs. Rarer still when that teenager lifts the spirits of seasoned veterans.

Lively recalled a particular moment that stood out. “There was this day, we’d just wrapped a brutal two-a-day,” he said. “Everyone’s tired, drained. And Cooper—he’s the last one on the court, helping pick up cones, laughing, giving high-fives to the staff. No one asked him to. That’s just who he is. He gets it.”

The story quickly made the rounds on social media, with fans praising Flagg’s humility and work ethic. But beyond the viral anecdotes, there’s something brewing in Dallas that has people genuinely excited. A young core anchored by Lively, Flagg, and Luka Dončić—if he remains with the team long-term—could become a dynasty-in-the-making.

The chemistry between Lively and Flagg is already becoming a focal point in early scrimmages and player-led practices. Both are defensive-minded, highly athletic, and unselfish—traits that not only mesh well on the court but also create a strong foundation for leadership. Lively, entering his third NBA season, is still just 21. But he’s embracing a mentorship role with the younger Flagg. The two have reportedly been inseparable off the court, bonding over Call of Duty sessions, late-night workouts, and shared ambitions.

“From day one, we clicked,” Lively said. “It wasn’t even forced. It’s like we both just knew—we’re going to push each other, hold each other accountable, and have fun while doing it.”

Flagg has echoed similar sentiments in interviews, calling Lively “a big brother” and someone he looks up to both for his game and his mentality. “Dereck doesn’t care about the fame,” Flagg said. “He cares about winning. That’s what I want to be around.”

It’s that shared focus on winning—and doing so the right way—that has Dallas Mavericks fans buzzing. After years of playoff heartbreak, roster experiments, and coaching changes, there’s a growing sense that this new generation might be the one to finally bring another title to the city.

Team executives have certainly taken notice. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison spoke highly of the duo during a recent press conference, stating: “When you see two young guys connect like that—on and off the court—it gives you hope. They make each other better. And they make everyone around them better.”

There’s also something symbolic about the pairing. Lively, a former Duke Blue Devil, came into the league with expectations of being a rim protector, rebounder, and energetic big. He’s since expanded his offensive game, working tirelessly to develop his footwork and mid-range shot. Flagg, meanwhile, is the unicorn everyone’s talking about—6’9″, guard-like handles, elite IQ, and defensive instincts well beyond his years. They complement each other perfectly: Lively brings the vertical spacing, while Flagg can stretch the floor and initiate offense from anywhere.

“It’s rare to find that kind of synergy this early,” said Mavericks assistant coach Jared Dudley. “Usually, it takes time. But these guys? They’re already reading each other’s movements like they’ve played together for years.”

That kind of praise doesn’t come lightly in a league where fit is everything. But it’s not just about the Xs and Os. Lively’s leadership and emotional intelligence are becoming a quiet force in the Dallas locker room, and Flagg’s joyful presence is rejuvenating everyone from the staff to the veterans. There’s a quiet optimism growing within the organization—one built not on hype, but on habits.

Off the court, Lively and Flagg have also taken to local community efforts. They recently surprised a youth basketball clinic in South Dallas, where they played pickup with kids, handed out sneakers, and spoke about the importance of staying focused in school. The event, largely unpublicized, was something they reportedly initiated themselves.

“They didn’t do it for cameras,” said a youth coach who was present. “They just wanted to show love to the community. You could see how genuine they were.”

That authenticity is why so many in the organization believe this duo could be special—not just in terms of stats and wins, but in how they reshape the culture of the Mavericks. It’s been years since Dallas had a young core this exciting, and fans are already envisioning what the next few seasons could bring.

“Dallas basketball is in good hands,” said Lively, when asked about the future. “We’re not looking to be just highlights. We’re trying to build something lasting.”

Of course, challenges remain. The Western Conference is brutal, and development rarely follows a straight line. But if early signs are any indication, the Mavericks have something real. A bond between two players that isn’t based on ego or flash—but on work, love for the game, and a shared vision.

As one longtime Mavericks fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “For the first time in a while, I’m not just hoping we win. I’m proud of who we are becoming.”

And that’s perhaps the most powerful part of all. In a league that moves fast, where stars rise and fall with each news cycle, moments of genuine connection—like the one Lively shared about Flagg—are rare. But they’re also the building blocks of something bigger. A culture. A legacy. A team fans can believe in.

So say what you want about youth, inexperience, or the pressure of expectations. Dallas has two young men who are ignoring the noise and embracing the moment.

And if you ask Dereck Lively II, it’s just the beginning. “We’ve got something special brewing. Just wait and see.”