Mavericks Sensation Cooper Flagg Earns High Praise from Former Duke Teammate and Hornets Rookie Star After Stellar Summer League

The NBA Summer League often serves as a stage where young talents announce themselves to the world, and few players have captivated fans and analysts alike quite like Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg. The highly touted prospect, fresh off a dominant freshman campaign at Duke University, has wasted no time making a splash on the professional scene. His poise, skill set, and relentless drive are turning heads, and his performance hasn’t just caught the eye of fans and media—it’s also earned admiration from those who know him best.

Among the loudest voices of praise is none other than Flagg’s former Duke teammate and current Charlotte Hornets rookie standout, who shared the court with him during their single electrifying season in Durham. Despite now being on different NBA teams, their bond remains strong, forged through shared practices, grueling workouts, and the pressure-filled moments of high-stakes college basketball. That Hornets rookie—already drawing comparisons to established NBA stars for his own impressive debut—spoke glowingly about Flagg’s transition to the league.

“Cooper was always that guy,” the Hornets rookie said when asked about Flagg after a recent Summer League game. “He works like nobody else. What people are seeing now in the league, we saw every single day at Duke. He was always the first one in, last one out. He’s relentless, and you can’t coach that kind of mentality. I’m not surprised at all by what he’s doing with Dallas. He was born for this.”

Flagg’s name has been circulating in basketball circles for years. Hailing from Maine, he built a legendary high school career, dominating both on the AAU circuit and at Montverde Academy, a national powerhouse known for producing NBA-caliber talent. His game—marked by defensive intensity, shot-making ability, elite court vision, and a refusal to back down—made him the No. 1 recruit in his class. When he committed to Duke, fans immediately envisioned another one-and-done star destined for NBA greatness.

At Duke, Flagg lived up to every ounce of hype. Averaging double digits in scoring, along with rebounds, blocks, and assists, he brought a level of versatility and maturity rarely seen in college freshmen. But it wasn’t just the stats—his impact went far deeper. He routinely took on the toughest defensive assignments, initiated offense, and never shied away from big moments. Coaches called him the heart of the team, and teammates leaned on his intensity.

The Hornets rookie, who himself had a standout year at Duke, recalled those moments fondly. “He wasn’t just a teammate; he was a leader,” he said. “Even when we were both learning, he had this presence that made everyone better. He talks on defense, knows where everyone needs to be, and plays every possession like it’s the last. That kind of energy—it’s contagious.”

Now with the Mavericks, Flagg has translated that energy seamlessly to the next level. In Summer League play, he’s already put together several highlight-reel performances, showcasing the same hustle, high IQ, and two-way excellence that made him a fan favorite at Duke. Analysts have pointed out how comfortable he looks playing against pros, noting that his timing on blocks, defensive rotations, and ability to facilitate offense suggest a player well beyond his years.

In one standout game, Flagg recorded a near triple-double with points, rebounds, and assists, adding in multiple steals and blocks. His vision in the open court and his anticipation on defense drew widespread applause from commentators, some of whom compared him to past greats who made an immediate impact in their rookie seasons. But Flagg, ever humble, deflected the attention in postgame interviews, crediting his teammates, coaches, and the development system in Dallas for helping him make a smooth transition.

Still, the praise hasn’t slowed. NBA veterans and former Duke alumni have chimed in, but it’s the words of his former teammate in Charlotte that resonate deeply. “We went through the fire together,” the Hornets rookie said. “I know how tough he is. I’ve seen him battle through injuries, play through pain, and still dominate. There’s no moment too big for him.”

He went on to say that Flagg’s rise is good for the league. “The NBA is better with guys like Cooper,” he added. “He’s not all flash. He plays the right way. He studies film like a vet, he listens, and he learns. I think what sets him apart is his mindset. He’s not here just to make it—he’s here to be great.”

That sentiment is echoed by Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, who has reportedly been impressed with Flagg’s basketball IQ and adaptability. In interviews, Kidd noted how quickly Flagg has picked up on the team’s defensive schemes and offensive sets, calling him “a rare rookie who looks like a seasoned pro.” Kidd, known for developing young guards and wings, appears eager to integrate Flagg into the Mavericks’ regular rotation.

Fans in Dallas are already falling in love with the young forward. Social media is awash with clips of Flagg diving for loose balls, rotating defensively, and making pinpoint passes. His jersey is flying off shelves, and his name is trending after nearly every game. For a franchise built around Luka Dončić, adding another high-IQ, high-effort player like Flagg could be a massive step toward sustainable success.

What makes Flagg’s rise particularly compelling is that he doesn’t fit the mold of a typical rookie chasing highlights. His game is more substance than spectacle. He thrives on doing the dirty work, making the extra pass, and anchoring team defense. It’s a style that resonates with basketball purists and has drawn comparisons to players like Shane Battier, Draymond Green, and even a young Kawhi Leonard—all known for their intelligence, tenacity, and team-first mentality.

The bond between Flagg and his Duke teammate-turned-Hornets rookie also highlights the tight-knit fraternity of players who pass through the storied Blue Devils program. Both young men credit their time at Duke for preparing them for the rigors of the NBA, particularly the emphasis on accountability, preparation, and selflessness. In postgame interviews, they’ve often spoken about how Coach Jon Scheyer instilled habits that are now paying dividends.

“It wasn’t just about talent at Duke,” the Hornets rookie said. “It was about commitment. Cooper had that in spades. I used to watch him get shots up after practice for an hour. We’d be dead tired, and he’d still be in the gym. That’s who he is.”

That tireless work ethic is part of what has made Flagg such an appealing figure—not just to coaches and scouts, but to teammates as well. In locker rooms, players often gravitate toward those who lead by example, and Flagg has quietly established himself as that kind of presence. Mavericks veterans have already spoken highly of his maturity, and during a recent team meeting, he reportedly addressed the group with a calm confidence that belied his rookie status.

“Guys listen to him,” one veteran said. “That’s rare. Most rookies are just trying to stay quiet and figure things out. Cooper speaks up when he needs to, and when he does, people pay attention.”

As the NBA regular season approaches, all eyes will be on how Flagg transitions from Summer League star to contributor in real games. While expectations are high, those close to him believe he’s more than ready. His former Duke teammate, now lighting it up for Charlotte, has no doubts. “He’s just getting started,” he said. “Whatever you’ve seen so far, there’s more coming. A lot more.”

For now, Flagg remains focused. In interviews, he rarely talks about accolades or hype. Instead, he emphasizes team goals, getting better every day, and earning the trust of his coaches and teammates. It’s a mature approach from a player who, by all accounts, is wise beyond his years.

That maturity, coupled with elite talent and an insatiable drive, may just be the formula that propels Cooper Flagg to stardom. And with the backing of former teammates, current pros, and an NBA franchise eager to develop him, the sky seems to be the limit for Dallas’ newest phenom.

As his former teammate in Charlotte put it best: “Coop’s the real deal. The world’s just catching on now.”