Cooper Flagg and Paige Bueckers plan on supporting each other’s Dallas teams for a long time, with the long-term future of the city’s basketball seemingly in safe hands
Wings star Paige Cooper Flagg’s stance on Paige Bueckers could be good news for Dallas futurehas been very supportive of Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg(Image: Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg and Wings superstar Paige Bueckers have struck a welcoming friendship — which could bode well for the future of basketball in the city.
Bueckers, 24, completed her WNBA rookie campaign and earned Rookie of the Year honors after averaging 19.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists for the 10-34 Wings. Flagg is hoping to follow in Bueckers’ footsteps in Dallas and have a standout debut campaign after being picked first overall out of Duke.
The Mavs landed the first overall pick via the NBA Draft lottery shortly after trading superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Bueckers has been very supportive of Flagg since his arrival and has attended Mav games, something the rookie hopes to continue going forward, while also returning the favor once the WNBA starts up again next year.
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“She obviously had an incredible rookie season, and she’s gonna do amazing things with her career,” Flagg said of Bueckers. “So it’s kinda cool to see, for her to show up, and I was able to go to one of her games right after the draft, when I got down here.”
“It’s cool to see the support and show up and be there for each other, I think that’s pretty cool. And hopefully we’ll keep it going, going forward,” he added.
Bueckers also had some sound advice for Flagg, having already lived up to the pressure of being the first player off the Draft board. “Just to take it in stride,” Bueckers said. “Don’t try to appease people or try to live up to the expectations that other people set for yourself.
WNBA player Paige Bueckers watches action during a game between the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks at American Airlines Center on November 19, 2025 in Dallas, Texas(Image: Getty)
“Just be who you are. He’s a winner, and he’s a competitor. He just wants to contribute to winning, and that’s all he cares about. So stay true to who he is and what has gotten him to be the No. 1 pick.”
Flagg is averaging 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game for the 5-13 Mavs. The teenager’s most recent outing was a 102-96 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Flagg’s impact is already clear, with his coach singling him out for praise. “Clutch [situations], he’s not afraid,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “We get him the ball, and he seems like he’s been there before.
Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball as Cedric Coward #23 of the Memphis Grizzlies defends during the second half at American Airlines Center on November 22, 2025 in Dallas, Texas(Image: Getty)
“Being able to score when you need a bucket, when everyone knows that you’re coming to him, he’s deliberate. For an 18-year-old, that’s pretty special.”
His teammates also recognize his importance to the franchise. “He’s blossoming into who we all know he is,” Mavericks forward P.J. Washington said of Flagg.
“Just being himself, taking on the big moments and converting. Getting to the paint, getting to his spots and making the right decision each and every time.”