Cooper Flagg Names His NBA Mount Rushmore Without Hesitation
Dallas Mavericks' brand-new rookie Cooper Flagg is already in the city to start his journey with the 2011 NBA champions. The former Duke Blue Devils star is coming off a lone but impactful season in college, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game under Jon Scheyer.
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Duke couldn't advance to the championship game after an upset against the Houston Cougars in the 2025 March Madness Final Four, but Flagg made a strong impression on those who watched him play.
The challenge is different now, as he'll play against older and stronger players. Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving will be his veterans in Dallas as he starts the next chapter in his journey.
Cooper Flagg talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.David Banks-Imagn Images
During his introductory press conference, Flagg was asked about his Mount Rushmore of NBA players. The No. 1 overall pick went with four players from different eras when it came to the NBA.
"My Mt. Rushmore of NBA players, I'd say Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, LeBron [James] and probably Kobe [Bryant]," Flagg said.
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He didn't stop there and shared who he thinks are the four best players in WNBA history.
"Candace Parker, Brittney Griner," he started. "I think A'ja Wilson is on there and then, I might put Caitlin Clark on there just 'cause she changed the game so much and it's heading in the right direction. I just love what she's been able to do."
Flagg appears to be a student of the game. He'll have the chance to play with and under people with remarkable careers to start his. The Mavericks are an intriguing team ahead of the 2025-26 season, even with Irving out due to injury.
Related: Cooper Flagg Shares Honest Reaction on Playing With Future Hall of Famers on the Mavericks
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
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