Dirk Nowitzki, Cooper Flagg Talk Rookie Year, Fadeaway Tips in New Prime Interview

The Mavericks' all-time scorer sat down with their rookie phenom for the first time in an interview setting.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki recently sat down with Mavs rookie Cooper Flagg for an interview on Prime TV, where they discussed the pressures of Flagg's first season, adjusting to the NBA, and even swapped thoughts on Dirk's patented fadeaway jumper. Nowitzki praised Flagg's all-around game and urged him to never be satisfied, continuing to improve just as Dirk did over his 21-year career with the Mavericks.

Why it matters

The interview provides a rare glimpse into the mentorship between Nowitzki, a Mavericks icon, and Flagg, the team's highly touted rookie who is expected to be a cornerstone of the franchise's future. Their conversation offers insights into the challenges and advice for young NBA players as they transition to the professional level.

The details

In the interview, Nowitzki told Flagg, "Your all-around game has already developed, it's unbelievable. [But] never be satisfied. Don't be satisfied with Rookie of the Year or your first deal. I always wanted to keep improving and that's how I got to play that long." Nowitzki also spoke about how Dallas and the Mavericks community have become meaningful to him over his 21-year career with the team.

  • The interview took place on February 7, 2026.

The players

Dirk Nowitzki

A Mavericks legend and the team's all-time leading scorer, who is now working as a television analyst.

Cooper Flagg

The Mavericks' highly touted rookie who is expected to be a cornerstone of the franchise's future.

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What they’re saying

“I mean you're already way far ahead of my curve. Your all-around game has already developed, it's unbelievable. [But] never be satisfied. Don't be satisfied with Rookie of the Year or your first deal. I always wanted to keep improving and that's how I got to play that long. Twenty-one years later, this community now means a lot to me. I moved here, my family lives here. And we're all proud of you.”

— Dirk Nowitzki (NBA on Prime)

The takeaway

The interview between Dirk Nowitzki and Cooper Flagg provides a unique opportunity to see the passing of the torch from a Mavericks legend to the team's promising young star. Nowitzki's advice and mentorship could prove invaluable as Flagg navigates the pressures and challenges of his rookie season and beyond.