Former Duke Star Cooper Flagg Receives Public Protection Commitment from Mavericks Teammate
DALLAS, TX – August 6, 2025
In a moment that highlighted both brotherhood and belief, Dallas Mavericks rookie and former Duke sensation Cooper Flagg received an emphatic public show of support from one of his new NBA teammates—an act that has quickly gone viral and earned praise across the basketball community.
The gesture came during a press conference after the Mavericks’ open practice on Tuesday, when veteran forward and locker room leader Dorian Finney-Smith was asked about the adjustment process for the team’s young stars. Without hesitation, Finney-Smith turned to the subject of Flagg, issuing a statement that was equal parts protective and powerful.
“Coop’s got a target on his back, and that’s expected when you’re that good, that young,” Finney-Smith said. “But let me make it clear—he’s not going to have to face that pressure alone. Anyone who comes for him on the court better be ready to go through me first.”
The comments come just weeks into Flagg’s transition to the NBA after being drafted No. 2 overall by the Mavericks. The 6-foot-9 phenom, who starred for Duke and became one of the most anticipated prospects of his generation, has already shown flashes of brilliance in summer league and early preseason workouts.
But with hype comes pressure—and, as Finney-Smith noted, the NBA has a history of testing its young stars early. Flagg has already faced some aggressive defense and verbal jabs in summer league games, which only reinforced the need for a strong support system around him.
Flagg, who sat beside Finney-Smith during the press conference, cracked a smile at his teammate’s words and returned the respect.
“Man, that means a lot,” Flagg said. “Coming in as a rookie, especially with all the attention I’ve gotten, you always wonder how vets are going to treat you. Dorian’s been nothing but real with me since day one. It’s an honor to go to battle with guys like that.”
The Mavericks are entering the 2025–26 season with championship aspirations, and Flagg’s arrival is expected to be a key part of their future. While Luka Dončić remains the face of the franchise, Flagg’s two-way potential has many believing that Dallas may have landed its next superstar.
NBA insiders and fans alike praised Finney-Smith’s comments as a sign of strong team culture and chemistry building in Dallas. ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins tweeted, “That’s how vets are supposed to treat the young guns. Respect to Dorian.”
Flagg’s journey from Durham to Dallas is just beginning, but with teammates like Finney-Smith publicly standing behind him, the former Blue Devil looks more prepared than ever to handle the spotlight—and the pressure that comes with it.
In a league where talent matters, but relationships define legacies, Cooper Flagg may have just gained more than a new team—he may have found a second family.
