Jason Kidd Impressed by Cooper Flagg’s Relentless Drive to Win

When the Dallas Mavericks got the No. 1 pick in this year’s Draft lottery, it was a given that they would go for Cooper Flagg. With the offseason coming to a close, those associated with the franchise are more than optimistic about Flagg’s growth and the success he’ll bring. 

Flagg has a long way to go before he can call himself an NBA star, but the Duke alum has surely shown signs that he has what it takes. He averaged more than 20 points a game in the summer league. And even in training camp, Flagg has looked sharp, Jason Kidd reportedly revealed. He also spoke about the winning mentality the rookie brings to the team.

The Mavericks head coach insisted that Flagg knows how to play under pressure, which doesn’t come as a surprise considering how high the expectations at his college were. In practice, the 18-year-old has shown that he’s committed to giving his 100% in every single play.

According to Mavericks’ insider Noah Weber, Kidd, who has been coaching the side since 2021, lauded Flagg’s competitive desire. “Jason Kidd said he is looking for Cooper Flagg to carry over from practice. Said that he’s been on the big stage before and that he’s had a really good camp,” wrote Weber on X.

The insider, in another X post, added, “Jason Kidd said that Cooper Flagg ‘competes to win.’ Said that he dives on the floor for loose balls and does whatever it takes to help his team, even in practice. Said that he only cares about winning.” 

Y’all…pic.twitter.com/651SLvysDb https://t.co/n1pjvfsLFV

— MavsMuse (@MavsMuse) October 6, 2025

For Dallas, Flagg’s growth is of paramount importance, both from a sporting and cultural point of view. For the longest time, Luka Doncic was the face of the organization and someone extremely beloved in the city. He was, in some ways, on his way to matching the legacy left behind by legend Dirk Nowitzki, before General Manager Nico Harrison shockingly traded him away to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.

Now, Flagg, who’s a young phenom, along with Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson, will be looking to do what Doncic couldn’t in his time in Dallas: Win a ring.

It may take some time for Flagg to get used to the NBA. But Kidd has already praised him for being a quick learner. In an earlier interview, the coach said, “Cooper Flagg is really mature for an 18-year-old. Plays both ends hard. Offensively, can score and pass. He has a high IQ defensively, [is] solid all-around, a great young man. I’m lucky to be his coach.”

In the NBA pre-season, Flagg has played 14 minutes in Dallas’ win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He scored 10 points and grabbed six rebounds. Hardly flashy, but there’s surely a lot more to come. The season cannot start soon enough if you are a Dallas fan.