Before receiving his NBA Rookie of the Year Award trophy, Cooper Flagg answered the media Wednesday, discussing his first NBA season with the Dallas Mavericks.
In doing so, Flagg mentioned an unlikely source of inspiration for him throughout the year, WNBA star Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings.
“Obviously, she’s in Dallas as well and in a very similar situation,” said Flagg. “She was the No. 1 pick; she came in and had an incredible first year. Just having that support and knowing there’s somebody right there, right down the street, who went through a very similar thing. Just having her reach out and having that support is huge.”
Now both Bueckers and Flagg have Rookie of the Year Awards to their names, Bueckers earning hers in 2025.
Given that their teams reside in the same city, Flagg and Buckers will be able to push one another to success despite playing in separate leagues.
This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Cooper Flagg cites WNBA star Paige Bueckers as source of inspiration