Apr 28, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) reacts after dunking during the first half against the LA Clippers during game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

'I Remember How Frightened I Was at 19' – Dallas Mavericks Center Shares First Impression on Cooper Flagg

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Aug 5, 2025 9:47 AM ET

Dereck Lively II still couldn’t believe that the Dallas Mavericks ended up with the first overall pick of this summer’s NBA Draft, which eventually turned out to be Cooper Flagg.

The Dallas Mavericks center called it an “insane moment,” and Lively plans to make Flagg’s transition to the NBA as smooth as possible next season.

“It was an insane moment,” Lively said about having Flagg via ClutchPoints’ Joey Mistretta. “Grateful for it. We welcome in Coop with open arms. You know, I called him earlier today. And he’s always having a smile on his face, always cracking a joke.”

“Giving Him Any Little Detail” - Dallas Mavericks Center on Helping Cooper Flagg in His Rookie Year 127 Jun 27, 2025; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison (left) looks on with Mavericks first overall pick Cooper Flagg (right) at a press conference at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

“So I’m making sure that he’s feeling as comfortable as possible. Giving him any little detail or any little thing to get him by because whenever I was in his position, I remember how frightened I was, and I was 19, he’s 18,” he added.

Dallas Mavericks News: Cooper Flagg receives All-Star challenge from NBA icon

The NBA All-Star Weekend is starting to lose its luster, and Carmelo Anthony has an interesting idea. The 10-time NBA All-Star wants the big names like Ja Morant and Anthony Edwards in the dunk contest, going up against Philadelphia 76ers’ VJ Edgecombe and Dallas Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg. Anthony also wants Flagg in the skills challenge.

Dallas Mavericks Reporter Has Detailed Review of Cooper Flagg's Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) walks off the court after losing to the Houston Cougars in the semifinals of the men’s Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

“I want to see the Jas, I want to see the Ant Edwards. He has to do it at least once. He has to do it. You can add somebody from the rookies. You know, whoever can make the rookie game,” Carmelo said on the 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast.

“I want to see VJ Edgecombe and Philly in the dunk contest more than I want to see Cooper in the dunk contest. Put Cooper in the Skills Challenge. But I want to see VJ in the dunk contest,” he added.