Jan 17, 1990; Orlando, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird (33) in action against the Orlando Magic at the Orlando Arena. Mandatory Credit: Imagn Images RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Cooper Flagg Makes Honest Statement About Celtics Legend Larry Bird

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 4:22 PM ET

Cooper Flagg is about to become one of the most popular players in the NBA when he makes his debut for the Dallas Mavericks in October.

Recently, the Mavs released an interview where they asked Flagg to name the player he would most want to play in a one-on-one match.

Flagg: "I might say dream one-v-one, maybe, Larry Bird. I used to watch him a lot growing up, so I feel like that would be a really cool person to play one-on-one with when he was in his prime."

Cooper vs. Google @Cooper_Flagg // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/hBQEbWK1I6
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) July 24, 2025

Considering Flagg is just 18, fans will enjoy seeing that he respects one of the true NBA legends.

Bird spent all 13 seasons of his career with the Celtics (and retired in 1992).

He won three NBA Championships.

Via Ballislife.com (on August 18, 2024): "Larry Bird retired 32 years ago today at the age of 35. He played the last few of his 13 seasons with a severe back injury

Still did this in his final weeks
49 PTS, 14 REB, 12 AST
25 PTS, 9 REB, 9 AST, 75% FG
21 PTS, 12 REB, 8 AST
16 PTS, 14 AST, 1 TO"

Larry Bird retired 32 years ago today at the age of 35. He played the last few of his 13 seasons with a severe back injury

Still did this in his final weeks
49 PTS, 14 REB, 12 AST
25 PTS, 9 REB, 9 AST, 75% FG
21 PTS, 12 REB, 8 AST
16 PTS, 14 AST, 1 TO

pic.twitter.com/FR53ftYmpA
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 18, 2024