Grant Hill Believes Cooper Flagg Can Flourish With Mavericks, Calls Dallas a ‘Great Environment’ for Rising NBA Star

Grant Hill knows a thing or two about being a basketball prodigy. The Hall of Famer and Olympic gold medalist was once a rising young star with the weight of the basketball world on his shoulders. So when he speaks about the potential of another generational talent, people listen. And that’s exactly what happened when Hill offered glowing praise for Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks’ new centerpiece and arguably the most hyped NBA rookie in nearly two decades.

Flagg, the 6-foot-9 phenom out of Maine by way of Montverde Academy, was selected by the Mavericks with the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. In just a few short months, he’s already making waves in Summer League and beyond with a polished all-around game, elite defensive instincts, and an edge rarely seen in a player his age. Hill recently shared his thoughts on Flagg’s potential and fit in Dallas, calling it “a perfect storm” of talent meeting opportunity.

“Cooper Flagg is going to be special,” Hill said during a broadcast appearance on NBA TV. “He has all the tools—size, vision, competitiveness, and that killer instinct. What really stands out is how mature he is. He’s 17 going on 27. And with a situation like Dallas, where there’s a winning culture and a supportive front office, I think he’s in a great environment to grow.”

Flagg’s arrival in Dallas comes at a time when the Mavericks are already championship contenders, having reached the 2024 NBA Finals behind the dominant duo of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. The idea of adding Flagg to that core—a do-it-all forward who can defend, shoot, rebound, and playmake—has fans and analysts buzzing about a potential dynasty in the making.

Hill, who is now a part-owner of the Atlanta Hawks and a prominent voice in basketball circles, emphasized how critical a young player’s surroundings are during the early stages of their professional journey.

“You can have all the talent in the world, but it has to be nurtured in the right situation,” Hill explained. “Dallas is a franchise that values development, that gives its young guys the runway to learn, but also holds them accountable. That balance is rare in today’s league.”

Cooper Flagg has already drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats. Scouts and coaches have likened his defensive instincts to a young Kevin Garnett, his motor to Kawhi Leonard, and his feel for the game to Larry Bird. But Hill warns against rushing to label him too early.

“Let him be Cooper,” Hill said. “Yes, we’re going to draw comparisons. That’s just human nature. But he brings something unique to the game—a blend of intensity and intelligence that’s really hard to teach. If he continues on this path, there’s no ceiling.”

Flagg’s short Summer League stint has only further validated the hype. In his debut, he posted 21 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks, commanding both ends of the floor like a seasoned veteran. It wasn’t just the numbers that impressed—it was how effortlessly he did it. The pace, the timing, the poise—all of it hinted at a player far beyond his years.

“He doesn’t force things,” said Mavs assistant coach Jared Dudley, who’s helping lead the Summer League squad. “He makes the right read, the simple play, and then every once in a while he’ll throw in a jaw-dropping move. He’s coachable, he listens, and he’s hungry. That’s what separates him.”

While Flagg’s journey is only just beginning, Hill’s endorsement adds an authoritative voice to the growing chorus of believers. The former Duke star also shared some advice for the teenager, reflecting on his own experience entering the league in the mid-1990s.

“You can’t skip steps,” Hill said. “There will be ups and downs. There’ll be nights where you dominate and others where you struggle. But if you keep showing up, keep working, and keep learning, you’ll be amazed at where you end up.”

Hill’s own NBA journey was a testament to that ethos. After being named co-Rookie of the Year in 1995, he became one of the most versatile players in the league, earning seven All-Star nods and multiple All-NBA honors before injuries derailed what could’ve been an even greater career. Still, Hill parlayed that experience into a long, respected post-playing career as a broadcaster, executive, and mentor.

It’s this holistic view of success that he wants Flagg to embrace.

“There’s so much more to the game than just numbers,” Hill said. “It’s about leadership, consistency, and being a great teammate. Cooper seems to understand that already, and that’s incredibly rare at 17.”

The Dallas Mavericks, meanwhile, are thrilled with what they’ve seen. General Manager Nico Harrison said drafting Flagg was a no-brainer.

“We were shocked he fell to us,” Harrison told reporters. “He’s the kind of player you build around, even if you already have stars. He complements Luka and Kyrie, brings energy and unselfishness, and he’s going to win a lot of games in this jersey.”

That’s a sentiment echoed by Dončić himself, who has reportedly taken Flagg under his wing.

“He’s serious,” Dončić said after a recent team practice. “He listens, he works, and he’s not afraid. That’s what you want in a young guy. We’re going to have fun together.”

While Flagg still has a lot to prove, the infrastructure in Dallas could be the ideal launchpad for a legendary career. Between the mentorship of Dončić and Irving, the steady coaching of Jason Kidd, and the Mavericks’ commitment to development, the rookie has landed in a rare and enviable spot.

As Hill said, “It’s not always about being drafted first—it’s about being drafted right. And I think Cooper Flagg ended up in the right place.”

Flagg’s early interviews have shown him to be humble and focused. When asked about the pressure of being a franchise cornerstone, he simply responded, “I just want to help the team win. That’s it. I know I have a lot to learn, and I’m ready to work.”

That mentality—paired with elite talent and a championship-caliber environment—has Hill and others optimistic that this is just the beginning of something special. As one NBA scout put it, “We might be looking at the next face of the league, and he’s got the right people around him to make it happen.”

Grant Hill believes in him. The Mavericks believe in him. And increasingly, the rest of the basketball world is starting to believe, too.

Whether Cooper Flagg becomes a multiple-time All-Star, a defensive player of the year, or the player who helps deliver Dallas another championship banner, the foundation is already being laid. And it all starts with a great environment—just as Hill emphasized.

As the NBA prepares for the dawn of a new era, one thing is clear: Cooper Flagg has arrived. And he’s exactly where he needs to be.