Veteran Anthony Davis witnesses Cooper Flagg's rare blend of humility and hunger as the young star quickly adapts to NBA demands, absorbing every lesson.
DALLAS — Anthony Davis has played alongside superstars, guided locker rooms, and anchored championship teams. But when it comes to mentoring Cooper Flagg, he sees something refreshingly different — a teenager who listens first and talks later.
Just three games into his NBA career, the 18-year-old No. 1 overall pick has already shown the rare balance of humility and confidence that veterans appreciate. Flagg is averaging 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists this season, punctuated by Sunday’s breakthrough — 22 points, four rebounds, four assists and a block in the Mavericks’ 139-129 win over Toronto.
The performance marked the third-highest scoring game by a rookie this season, trailing only VJ Edgecombe’s 34-point outing against Boston on Oct. 22 and Cedric Coward’s 27 points versus Indiana on Oct. 25.
With 22 points and zero turnovers, Flagg also became the youngest starter in NBA history to record a 20-point game while committing no turnovers. And with his third consecutive game scoring in double figures, he tied Dennis Smith Jr. and Sean Rooks for the fourth-longest streak to start a season by a Mavericks rookie.
For Davis, who’s averaging 24.7 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists through three games, watching Flagg adapt so quickly has reinforced how rare his approach is for a player his age.
“I was in his position once,” Davis said. “The good thing is he embraces it. He’s Cooper Flagg — his name already holds weight in the basketball world. But he’s humble. A lot of guys come in feeling entitled, but he’s the opposite. He embraces rookie duties — nothing crazy, just fun stuff. And when he makes big plays, we’re right there cheering for him. He’s fun to be around, fun to have as a teammate.”
Davis has taken a hands-on role in helping Flagg navigate the early stages of his career. The two communicate constantly — about defensive reads, spacing, and how to pick spots offensively. Flagg’s ability to translate those lessons into action has been one of Dallas’ most promising developments.
“He asks a ton of questions,” Davis said. “Not just to me, but to all the guys. He wants to learn, wants to know where to be and what to do. He watches film, studies the game, and he’s only going to keep getting better.”
Flagg said that guidance has been crucial in helping him adjust to NBA speed and physicality.
“It came naturally, without forcing it,” Flagg said. “I just tried to make plays, get guys involved, and be aggressive whether it meant scoring or setting others up. Guys like AD have really helped me stay patient and let the game come to me.”
Their chemistry was on full display against Toronto — none more evident than during the third quarter, when Flagg took a bounce pass from D’Angelo Russell in transition and delivered a thunderous one-handed dunk over Sandro Mamukelashvili. Davis was among the first to celebrate from midcourt, grinning as the crowd erupted.
“He’s got the right people around him,” Davis said. “He’s competitive, wants to win, and he listens. That’s all you can ask for from a young guy. He’s special.”
Flagg’s early stretch has given Dallas both energy and direction — a bridge between the team’s established core and its long-term future. For Davis, it’s a reminder of what leadership really looks like.
“He’s only going to get better,” Davis said. “He’s got the right mindset, and that’s what will take him a long way in this league.”