"Best white American-born player since Larry Bird" - Fans in awe as Cooper Flagg stuns Anthony Davis with block in viral training camp video

Fans in awe as Cooper Flagg stuns Anthony Davis with block in viral training camp video. (Photo: IMAGN)
Fans in awe as Cooper Flagg stuns Anthony Davis with block in viral training camp video. (Photo: IMAGN)

NBA fans are in awe of Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg after his training camp video went viral on social media. Flagg was all over the court, showing his defensive prowess by blocking Anthony Davis in one play. He's ushering in a new era post-Luka Doncic trade.

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The Mavericks began their training camp on Tuesday in preparation for the 2025-26 NBA season. Flagg is touted to be a starter for Dallas, with the rookie making things look easy in a video from the team's first practice getting uploaded online.

The 2025 No. 1 pick first blocked Davis' shot, followed by another block on Miles Kelly, who was fading away. He then hit two contested 3-point shots, one of which was over AD. The final play was Cooper missing a floater, but he quickly followed it up by outjumping two defenders and one of his teammates.

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NBA fans liked what they saw from Cooper Flagg, with some even comparing him with the legendary Larry Bird. Flagg is a bit taller than Bird and possibly better defensively, but the Boston Celtics legend was an amazing scorer, passer and clutch performer.

Here are some of the comments about Flagg.

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Cooper Flagg getting compared to Jayson Tatum and Kawhi Leonard also isn't a bad thing, as he has all the tools to succeed. Flagg has the same build as Tatum, while his defensive tenacity is similar to Leonard's. However, practice isn't game speed, and there will be an adjustment period.


Cooper Flagg shares the key to his success as a rookie

Cooper Flagg shares the key to his success as a rookie. (Photo: IMAGN)
Cooper Flagg shares the key to his success as a rookie. (Photo: IMAGN)

Speaking to Yahoo! Sports' Kelly Iko on Wednesday, Cooper Flagg discussed the adjustments he has made from Duke to Dallas on the court. Flagg believes communication is key to his success, especially with the possibility of being a second playmaker.

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"The communication and dedication to playing hard and doing it on both ends," Flagg said. "Having five guys on the court communicating with each other and (buying) in to get stops on every possession. It's different terminology, you just gotta get accustomed to it.
"Sometimes I mess up and say an old terminology I used at Duke. But if you say something, it’s better than saying nothing and just letting your teammate know where you are. Any communication is good."

Flagg will make his preseason debut for the Mavericks on Monday against the defending champions OKC Thunder at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

Mavericks Fan? Check out the latest Dallas Mavericks depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

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Edited by Juan Paolo David
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