Dallas Mavericks swingman Cooper Flagg recently had his first interaction with bona fide NBA legend Allen Iverson. On the first day of 2026, i.e., Thursday, Jan. 1, Flagg and the rest of coach Jason Kidd’s 2025-26 Mavericks team faced off against coach Nick Nurse’s Philadelphia 76ers on the former’s home floor, the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
On Sunday, Jan. 4, @courtsidebuzzig posted on Instagram through @fanatics that Flagg had actually met up with NBA legend and former 76ers superstar Allen Iverson in the tunnel area of the arena before the regular-season game. The engagement between the past and present NBA standouts has since been raved on by fans, as they had a swift but wholesome conversation.
“Allen Iverson gave Cooper Flagg three dap ups & a great compliment while meeting him for the first time: ‘That’s a bad dude right there! What’s up, baby? Do what you do, man. I love watching you play.’ Real recognize real! 💯 Via. @fanatics,” @courtsidebuzzig on Instagram captioned with an emoji.
“That’s a bad dude right there! What’s up, baby? How you? You Alright? You excited? I know that’s right. Good luck. Do what you do, man. I love watching you play,” Iverson told Flagg.
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It seems that Iverson is a fan of Flagg’s game, which can be considered a huge honor for the young talent, given that Iverson is a member of the NBA’s Top 75 Anniversary Team, cementing his status as a legend of the sport. After all, Iverson was the 2000-2001 NBA regular season MVP and an 11-time All-Star during his time in the NBA before he eventually retired in 2010.
Flagg is currently uncorking his first year in the league in the 2025-26 campaign after he was drafted first overall in the first round, similar to Iverson, by the Mavericks in last year’s NBA Draft after a one-and-done stint with the Duke Blue Devils.
Dallas Mavericks Lost To Philadelphia 76ers By 15 Points
Unfortunately for Cooper Flagg and the rest of the Dallas Mavericks faithful, coach Jason Kidd’s team was unable to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers on their home court, as they lost 123-108.
The Newport, Maine, native posted just 12 points on a lowly 5-of-15 clip, to go along with seven rebounds, seven assists, and a steal in 37 minutes of playing time.
Read More: Russell Westbrook Surpasses Magic Johnson And Allen Iverson for 2 Different Milestones in NBA History
Also Read: Cooper Flagg ‘Outplaying’ Nikola Jokic, Say Fans, as Mavs Put on a Show
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