Mavericks Legend Gives Impactful Advice to Rookie Cooper Flagg

Mark Aguirre shares wisdom with Dallas' top draft pick ahead of jersey retirement ceremony.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:39pm

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Dallas Mavericks legend Mark Aguirre, who will have his jersey retired by the team on Thursday, revealed the impactful advice he gave to rookie Cooper Flagg when the two met recently. Aguirre, who was the Mavs' first overall pick in 1981, told Flagg not to be afraid despite the "big bullseye" on his back as the team's latest top draft selection. Flagg, who was picked first overall in 2025, is set to face off against his former Duke teammate and rival Kon Knueppel in a key matchup on the same night Aguirre is honored.

Why it matters

As a former No. 1 overall pick himself, Aguirre's guidance could prove invaluable for the young Flagg, who faces high expectations and intense scrutiny as the Mavericks' franchise cornerstone. The advice also highlights the challenges top draft picks often face when transitioning to the NBA.

The details

Aguirre revealed that when he first spoke to Flagg, he emphasized the importance of not being afraid, as Flagg will have "a big bullseye" on his back from day one. Aguirre recalled his own experience as the top pick, saying he had "so many guys after me" from the start of his career. Flagg will look to follow in Aguirre's footsteps as he takes the court on the same night the Mavs legend's jersey is retired.

  • On Thursday, the Dallas Mavericks will retire franchise legend Mark Aguirre's jersey.
  • Aguirre spoke to reporters ahead of the jersey retirement ceremony.

The players

Mark Aguirre

A Dallas Mavericks legend who was the team's first overall draft pick in 1981 and will have his jersey retired on Thursday.

Cooper Flagg

The Dallas Mavericks' first overall draft pick in 2025, who Aguirre recently spoke with and provided impactful advice.

Kon Knueppel

Flagg's former Duke teammate and rival for the 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year Award, who Flagg will face on the same night Aguirre is honored.

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What they’re saying

“First thing I talked to him about is not being afraid, you know, because you can't come into this business, especially because you got a big bullseye on your back. Everybody in the whole NBA know who you are… You can't come in being afraid.”

— Mark Aguirre, Dallas Mavericks Legend (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

Flagg is available to play on Thursday night against Knueppel and the Hornets, which will be an important matchup as the two former Duke stars compete for Rookie of the Year honors.

The takeaway

Aguirre's advice to the young Flagg highlights the challenges top draft picks face when entering the NBA, and the veteran's guidance could prove invaluable as Flagg looks to establish himself as the Mavericks' new franchise cornerstone.