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Cooper Flagg Receives Rare Gift After Making NBA Debut

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 11:10 PM ET

Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg made his official NBA debut on Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs. Unfortunately, it didn't go particularly well for him and the Mavs, as he struggled in their 125-92 loss.

Flagg scored 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting, along with 10 rebounds. He also had one steal but didn't dish out an assist and committed three turnovers while playing the point guard position.

Many still supported Flagg despite his struggles, noting that the Mavs didn't use him in his natural position. However, others couldn't help but be disappointed, especially after other rookies like VJ Edgecombe, Jeremiah Fears, Kon Knuepel and Tre Johnson impressed in their respective first games.

Flagg himself was not happy with his performance, but he knows very well he needs to move on from it quickly and learn from the experience.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) interacts with teammate Anthony Davis (3).Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Sure enough, Flagg didn't look bothered on Thursday when he made a public appearance, just a day after his debut. to make things even better, the Mavs rookie got a treat from NFL icon Tom Brady.

Brady's card collectible shop, CardVault by Tom Brady, opened its new location in Dallas, Texas, and Flagg was there to grace the opening of the store.

Flagg opened some packs of NBA cards with the fans and signed autographs, but he didn't go home empty-handed. Brady gifted him a signed jersey with a special inscription, writing, "7x World Champion."

Tom Brady's gift for Cooper Flagg pic.twitter.com/Rdz7PxcAvJ
— Kit Espina (@KeithEspino22) October 24, 2025

Even better, it was not only Flagg who got a signed Brady jersey. The NFL icon doubled up with another one for the 18-year-old forward to give to his mom.

Flagg, who hails from Maine, grew up a Boston fan and supported the Patriots, so getting a signed Brady jersey is definitely special for him.

Hopefully, getting in touch with one of the best, if not the greatest player in NFL history will inspire Flagg to improve his game even more. The Mavericks return to action on Friday against the Washington Wizards.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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