From one No. 1 NBA Draft pick to another, Allen Iverson has some valuable advice for Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, as well as others just starting their careers in the league.
In a conversation with TMZ, Iverson told Flagg to take things “one day at a time.” He emphasized the importance of giving everything on the court. “The most important thing, and I think this will take care of everything, is playing every game like it’s your last, you know?” Iverson added. “You do that and everything else takes care of itself.”
At just 18 years old, Flagg is the youngest NBA Draft pick since LeBron James in 2003. Following the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg shared how being drafted by the Dallas Mavericks felt “amazing” and described it as a “dream come true.”
So far, the Mavs have yet to secure a win this season, but Flagg has been making a strong impression. In his NBA debut on October 22, Flagg recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds against the San Antonio Spurs. Just two days later, in his second game against the Washington Wizards, he scored 18 points, added six assists, and grabbed five rebounds.
“It was a lot of energy in the building. I thought we were competing at a high level in that fourth quarter and playing the play we want to play,” Flagg said after the Wizards game. “I think we took somewhat of a step in the right direction, but it has to be a lot better. I know I’m kicking myself, I’m not happy and I’m a little upset.”
Flagg continued, “I’m competitive. I love to win. It’s not a great start. We’ve got a lot of film to look at, a lot of stuff to look at, and a lot to improve.”
While the Mavericks have had a rough start this year, LeBron James shared his confidence in Flagg’s future. He pointed out that Flagg is in good hands, being coached by NBA champion and Hall of Famer Jason Kidd and playing alongside several NBA legends.
“He has the benefit, unlike myself, he gets to join a team that’s established with Hall of Fame guys Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving right off the bat. Hall of Fame coach, Jason Kidd. You know, these guys are like, they can give him the whole blueprint while he continues to learn what his blueprint will be,” LeBron said on his *Mind the Game* podcast.
“I think that will be an incredible thing to have that type of presence, that type of leadership, that type of just basketball IQ and knowledge around him every single day from those pieces,” LeBron added. “So, I think he’s going to be amazing.”
The next Mavericks game is tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET against the Toronto Raptors.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/allen-iverson-advice-dallas-mavericks-rookie-cooper-flagg