What makes someone worthy of being the top prospect in a pool of talent? Scoring ability, shooting skills, defense, offense, etc. Sure. But the leadership factor, team spirit, and work ethics become the roots. In the Dallas Mavericks, these qualities have never been scarce. Well, sure, Luka Doncic’s work ethic had been in question right after his exit, yet he’s one of the brightest names out of Texas. Going back in history, Dirk Nowitzki stands as the personification of every quality. And now, maybe it’s Cooper Flagg taking over.

Meanwhile, Nowitzki lit up Dallas once again as his Foundation Tennis Classic took over Banner House at T Bar M on September 13. He had the fresh Maverick Cooper joining the spotlight. In a sharp exchange with Mike Curtis of Dallas Morning News, Dirk unpacked the purpose behind his charity push, reflected on his lifelong bond with the franchise and its newest gem, and teased the fire he’s bringing to Amazon Prime’s NBA studio show.

During the conversation, the 47-year-old legend shared his thoughts on Flagg. At the same time, his message sounded like a direct, maybe subtle jab at Luka Doncic. Dirk, despite not being the biggest fan of college basketball, understands the hype around Cooper Flagg. “I had to check out Cooper. The sky’s the limit, honestly,” he said. Nowitzki further added, “What I saw—the way he reads the game already at that age, being barely 18, and his athletic skills, I heard his work ethic is through the roof. Everything that I saw and heard is that he’s the real deal. The Mavs fans can obviously be very excited for his growth over the next few years.”

The Dallas Mavericks legend continued, “Like I said, the sky’s the limit. Just the way he can score the ball in multiple ways and defend multiple players shows he’s super versatile already at his super young age, which is rare. I’m looking forward to his rookie year and seeing how he can adjust to the NBA. Like I said, if everything goes well and he keeps working, I think the sky’s the limit.”

Well, Dirk mentioned defense, which has been Luka’s weakness in the NBA last season. Doncic’s defense has become a flashing red mark on his superstar résumé. Analysts rip his poor effort, weak on-ball stands, slow footwork, and sloppy positioning that invite easy buckets. Transition lapses, lazy closeouts, and shaky weak-side focus fuel the fire. Critics argue it is mindset over physique, with legends like Gary Payton questioning his will and Kendrick Perkins branding him the worst defensive star of modern times. And the Mavericks front office questioned Doncic’s work ethic during the February trade to LA.

But that’s in the past. Doncic emerged as one of the best defensive players at the EuroBasket 2025. Meanwhile, his 31-pound transformation to Skinny Luka tells a different story. Meanwhile, Dirk Nowitzki will, at last, get to meet Cooper Flagg. Back in August, the Mavs legend shared that he had yet to meet the No.1 draft pick of the year. However, Saturday changed everything.

Cooper Flagg will be attending Dirk Nowitzki’s tennis event

Dirk Nowitzki has watched his once seamless bond with the Mavericks cool, especially after Mark Cuban stepped aside and the Luka Doncic trade disaster tarnished the team’s image. Yet the legend, still rooted in Dallas with his family, made it clear through the Dallas Morning News that he remains eager to guide Cooper Flagg, even without a personal history.

Flagg, drafted first by Dallas, shone with Team USA and Duke. Now he faces the grind of pro-life at 18. Nowitzki urged him to watch the veterans closely. Study routines. Absorb details from diet to media handling. Dirk once learned from Michael Finley and Steve Nash. For Flagg, talent plus Dirk’s wisdom may define his rise

Dallas has seen legends rise, stumble, and reinvent themselves, but the stage feels fresh again. Dirk Nowitzki stands ready, Cooper Flagg steps in with fire, and Luka Doncic rewrites his flaws with grit. The past carries scars, yet the future hums with promise. Dallas may finally have its perfect blend of wisdom, talent, and redemption.