Caitlin Clark has made a significant mark on the WNBA by drawing widespread attention to the league and boosting the Indiana Fever’s profile. In the NBA, Dallas Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg, selected first overall in the 2025 draft, is generating similar buzz as a promising new superstar. The discussion around Flagg’s potential often draws comparisons to Clark’s transformative influence in women’s basketball.
Peter Rosenberg Highlights Cooper Flagg’s Immediate NBA Potential
On ESPN’s First Take, Peter Rosenberg expressed strong confidence that Cooper Flagg will make an immediate difference in the NBA. Describing Flagg as possibly the best white American prospect since Larry Bird, Rosenberg linked his expectations for Flagg to the excitement surrounding Caitlin Clark’s rise in the WNBA. Rosenberg acknowledged the cultural and media attention Clark has attracted, suggesting Flagg is positioned to capture a similar level of intrigue in basketball.
Addressing the broader context, Rosenberg said,
“We’re all adults, we can have a real-life conversation,”
continuing,
“Last time I checked, we still live in America, right? Cooper Flagg is a white guy, maybe the best white American prospect since Larry Bird, right? Let’s not act as if we don’t live in America, we’re not seeing what’s happening with Caitlin Clark in the WNBA. Cooper Flagg is going to be an instant impact player in the NBA. I think Danny [Green] will agree. He is ready to go. That kid could play right now.”
He further added,
“If he’s nearly as good as people expect, I think when it comes to intrigue, actual intrigue that people are talking about day-to-day, no one’s going to be more intriguing and get more eyeballs than what Cooper Flagg’s doing in Dallas.”
Flagg’s Accomplishments and Profile Before Entering the NBA
Cooper Flagg’s single season at Duke University solidified his reputation as a top talent. During 37 games, he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, showcasing his all-around capabilities. His efficiency was evident in his shooting percentages, connecting on just over 48% of his shots and nearly 38.5% from three-point range. Flagg earned the prestigious Wooden Award, was named ACC Player of the Year, a Consensus All-American, and earned a spot on the All-NCAA Tournament team.
Flagg’s combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking made him a standout collegiate player, raising expectations for his impact as a rookie with the Dallas Mavericks.
Danny Green Offers a More Cautious Perspective on Flagg and Clark Comparison
Former NBA guard Danny Green agreed with Rosenberg that Cooper Flagg has a high ceiling but was more measured about comparing him to Caitlin Clark. Green emphasized the exceptional nature of Clark’s game and suggested rookies generally need some adjustment time before making an impact.
Green reflected,
“That’s a big comparison. Like, Caitlin Clark is unbelievable. She is something different. I think Cooper Flagg is a very good player. He will make an impact. I don’t know about right away. All rookies need a little bit of time.”
He highlighted the developmental curve for Flagg, saying,
“I think he’s in a perfect place to learn and grow.”
Green also analyzed the Dallas Mavericks’ current roster, pointing out frontcourt depth and positional needs. He noted the team’s abundance of big men including Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively, Anthony Davis (AD), PJ Washington, and now Cooper Flagg, but stressed the importance of adding wing and guard depth for balance.
Expanding on this, Green said,
“So, I’m looking at, what are they going to do? Who are they going to move? What’s going to happen in free agency? So, I’m looking at them in that aspect of intriguing, because they have to a lot of makeup, and you have Cooper Flagg could be another guy that could be in that frontcourt. So, they’re going to be very deep in the frontcourt, and very bottom — like said, I guess, they’re very top-heavy in that sense. I don’t know what they’re going to do in the wing standpoint. So, I’m intrigued on what they’re going to do this offseason to make their wing depth better. But yes, Cooper Flagg is a talent, but the Caitlin Clark [comparison], I don’t know, man, that’s a tough one.”
Similar Expectations and Growing Buzz Around Flagg’s NBA Debut
Caitlin Clark quickly established herself as a dominant force in the WNBA, earning the 2024 Rookie of the Year Award and standing among the top candidates for this season‘s MVP. Her immediate success has set a standard for incoming talent in professional basketball.
Likewise, Cooper Flagg arrives in Dallas with elevated expectations, seen as a potential cornerstone for the Mavericks’ future. The parallels in public attention reflect a broader narrative of emerging young stars poised to shape their leagues.
The Mavericks face important decisions about roster composition, particularly regarding wing positions and guard depth, which will affect how Flagg’s talents are utilized as he adjusts to the professional level. His potential impact promises to bring new excitement to Dallas fans and NBA observers alike.
The Broader Significance of Flagg and Clark’s Rising Profiles
The parallels between Cooper Flagg’s projected NBA rise and Caitlin Clark’s established WNBA influence underscore a changing basketball landscape where new young stars capture national attention rapidly. Clark’s effect on the WNBA’s visibility and popularity demonstrates the value of captivating talent in advancing a league’s profile.
If Flagg lives up to the high expectations, he could energize the Mavericks and their fans similarly, attracting broader media and fan engagement akin to Clark’s impact on women’s basketball. This moment in basketball history highlights the importance of breakthrough players in driving enthusiasm and growth across both major professional leagues.