Mavs Legend Dirk Nowitzki Offers Advice to Rising Star Cooper Flagg

Nowitzki shares wisdom with the Mavericks' teenage phenom as he continues his historic rookie season.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki recently sat down with rookie sensation Cooper Flagg to offer advice and encouragement as the 19-year-old continues his record-breaking start to his NBA career. Nowitzki, who spent 21 seasons with the Mavericks and led the team to the 2011 NBA championship, praised Flagg's all-around game and urged him to keep improving, saying the rookie is already ahead of where Nowitzki was early in his own career.

Why it matters

Nowitzki's mentorship of Flagg represents a passing of the torch from one Mavericks great to the next, as the franchise looks to rebuild around its young star. Flagg has already set several NBA records for a teenager, and Nowitzki's guidance could be invaluable as the rookie continues his rapid development.

The details

In the interview, Nowitzki told Flagg that he is "on the right path" and "already doing more at this stage" than Nowitzki himself did early in his career. Nowitzki advised Flagg to "keep going and keep working hard," and not to be satisfied with just winning Rookie of the Year or signing his first big contract. Nowitzki said he wants to see Flagg "keep improving" the way he did over his own legendary 21-year career with the Mavericks.

  • Nowitzki and Flagg sat down for the interview on February 7, 2026.
  • Flagg set the NBA record for most points scored by a teenager on January 29, 2026 with 49 points against the Charlotte Hornets.
  • In December 2025, Flagg became the youngest player in NBA history to score at least 40 points in a game.

The players

Dirk Nowitzki

A Dallas Mavericks legend who spent 21 seasons with the franchise, leading them to the 2011 NBA championship.

Cooper Flagg

A 19-year-old rookie sensation for the Dallas Mavericks who has already set several NBA records for scoring by a teenager.

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What they’re saying

“It has always felt surreal to walk back in. How time flies. Great memories are coming back. Old faces, like the good old days… When I first got here, I did not know what to expect. I was a rookie. I wanted to establish myself. I was all about scoring, and so I admire what you do already at a young age.”

— Dirk Nowitzki (NBA On Prime)

“You are already way up ahead of my curve. Your all-around game has already developed, unbelievably… Don't be satisfied with rookie of the year or first deal. I always want you to keep improving. It's how I got to play that long. 21 years later now, this community means a lot to me. I moved here, my family lives here… We are all proud of you… You are all on your way, my friend, and we are here to witness it.”

— Dirk Nowitzki (NBA On Prime)

“You kind of have to really be comfortable with yourself and know what you can do out there (Court). I feel so comfortable on the court. It has always been like a safe space for me. Somewhere I can be myself out there. being confident and knowing what I get to. I think that has been a really big part as well.”

— Cooper Flagg (NBA On Prime)

What’s next

Flagg will look to continue his record-breaking rookie season as the Mavericks aim to make a late-season playoff push.

The takeaway

Dirk Nowitzki's mentorship of Cooper Flagg represents a symbolic passing of the torch from one Mavericks great to the next, as the franchise hopes the teenage phenom can one day reach the same legendary status that Nowitzki achieved over his 21-year career in Dallas.