“Very Favorable First Impression”: Inside Cooper Flagg’s Electrifying Private Workout with the Dallas Mavericks
DALLAS, TX — The buzz surrounding top NBA Draft prospect Cooper Flagg reached a fever pitch this week as he participated in a highly anticipated private workout with the Dallas Mavericks. While most pre-draft sessions are quiet, closed-door affairs, this one was different — insiders described it as electric, with Mavericks staffers walking away stunned by the 6-foot-9 forward’s maturity, explosiveness, and court awareness.
Flagg, just 19, already carries the aura of a seasoned professional. Widely regarded as one of the most complete players to enter the draft in a decade, he didn’t just meet expectations — he shattered them.
A Silent Arena, Then Fireworks
The workout began in near silence. The Mavericks front office, including GM Nico Harrison and head coach Jason Kidd, observed closely as Flagg went through routine drills — shooting off the dribble, defensive rotations, transition sets, and advanced pick-and-roll scenarios.
Then came the moment that changed the entire tone.
On a fast-break simulation, Flagg launched into a one-handed tomahawk dunk over a 7-foot assistant coach playing the role of rim protector. The gym exploded. One scout reportedly dropped his clipboard. “That was a statement,” said an unnamed team official. “He didn’t come here to audition — he came here to take over.”
Defensive Instincts, Poise Beyond His Years
Flagg’s athleticism was already well-known, but what impressed the Mavericks most was his defensive IQ. In 3-on-3 scrimmages, he rotated perfectly, called out assignments, and baited a veteran assistant into a bad pass — twice.
“He’s got that Kawhi Leonard gene,” one scout said. “Quiet. Cold. Calculated. You look at him, and he sees the game two moves ahead.”
Kidd Impressed, Luka Watching
Sources say that head coach Jason Kidd was visibly impressed, speaking privately with Flagg afterward for nearly 20 minutes — an unusually long time by draft workout standards. Even Luka Dončić, the Mavericks superstar, reportedly stopped by the gym midway through to observe the final few drills. “They spoke briefly,” one source noted. “You could see the mutual respect.”
The Verdict: A Game-Changer in the Making
While Dallas currently holds the No. 3 overall pick, Flagg’s dominant performance has reportedly spurred internal discussions about trading up. “He’s that kind of player,” one front-office insider said. “You restructure rosters and cap sheets to get a guy like this.”
As the NBA Draft approaches, one thing is certain: Cooper Flagg’s workout in Dallas won’t soon be forgotten.
And if the Mavericks land him?
They won’t just be drafting talent — they’ll be drafting a franchise cornerstone.
