Dallas Mavericks legend and Hall of Famer, Dirk Nowitzki, praised the No. 1 pick during his annual foundation tennis event Saturday, calling Cooper Flagg a rare prospect poised to live up to the lofty expectations that surround him.

“I’m not the biggest college sports watcher in general, whether that is basketball or any sport, but, of course, I had to check out Cooper,” Nowitzki said. “The sky is the limit, honestly. What I saw, just the way he reads the game already at that age. He is barely 18, athletic, has skills. I heard his work ethic is through the roof. Everything I saw and heard is that he is the real deal.”

Flagg is expected to start for Dallas this season after showcasing his ability in NBA Summer League. In two appearances, the Maine native averaged 20.5 points, five rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals, highlighted by a 31-point performance in his July 12 finale.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd has already indicated the team will put significant responsibility on Flagg, with training camp opening Sept. 30.

Nowitzki, speaking at the seventh annual Dirk Nowitzki Foundation Tennis Classic, said he values having young players like Flagg introduced to the community through events like his fundraiser.

“We’re really fortunate these guys come out to support us,” Nowitzki said. “For a lot of them, this is their first big community event in Dallas beyond media and press conferences. Having Klay [Thompson] last year and Cooper this year is great. I heard Cooper isn’t much of a tennis player, but just showing up means the world to us.”

Nowitzki, who spent 21 seasons with the Mavericks, said Flagg’s versatility is what separates him from most young prospects.

“He can score in multiple ways, defend multiple players, and he’s super versatile at a young age,” Nowitzki said. “That’s rare. If he keeps working, the sky’s the limit for him.”

The Mavericks enter the season with questions surrounding health for veterans Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, along with the status of Dereck Lively II. Still, Nowitzki believes the roster has the depth to contend if it stays intact.

“I think they’re stacked,” Nowitzki said. “To me, it all depends on health. But if they’re healthy, they have depth—at least two guys at every position—and can play multiple ways with Cooper’s versatility. Defensively, the front line is long and athletic. Health will determine how far they go, but if things go right, this can be a great season in the West.”

Nowitzki’s event, held at the T Bar M Racquet Club, marked its seventh year and drew nearly 1,000 supporters. The foundation has distributed more than $250,000 in 2025 alone, with proceeds benefiting food drives and local organizations across North Texas.

The former MVP said he hopes bringing Flagg into the fold early can forge a connection with Mavericks fans that lasts well beyond his rookie season.

“Hopefully they’ll have him for a long time,” Nowitzki said.