Dallas Mavericks rookie forward Cooper Flagg is one of the most highly touted no. 1 draft picks in recent history, and he has drawn the attention of one of the best players the NBA has ever seen.
Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal – who has recently become a Dallas resident – took time to share his thoughts on the city’s newest big-name athlete at a charity event for his foundation, according to Alyssa Cooper of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
“Great young man. I know both his parents very, very well,” Shaq said. “Everything about this city, this organization, it’s going to be the right place.”
The Big Diesel also preached patience for Mavericks fans as the young Flagg – who will start his rookie season at just 18 years old – will need some time to fully form into his own.
“We’ll give him time to develop,” the Shaqtus said. “We all remember Dirk (Nowitzki) wasn’t Dirk when he first got here. … this is a great organization, a great town for him to start off his NBA career.”
The Big Aristotle knows a thing or two about having success in the NBA, with a list of accomplishments that includes the 2000 MVP award, the 1995 Rookie of the Year award, four championships, three championship MVPs, two scoring titles, 15 All-Star game appearances, and eight First Team All-NBA selections.
Shaq Fu’s number has been retired by three franchises: the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat. The Big Shamrock also was selected to both the NBA50 and NBA75 anniversary teams.
