Mavericks’ Klay Thompson Has Message for Duke Star, It’s Not Cooper Flagg originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Duke Blue Devils have had more than their fair share of top players, most of whom have gone on to have long, successful NBA careers.
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In 2025, Cooper Flagg certainly headlined the NBA Draft class, although his college teammates Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach are expected to have long careers.
Flagg has been compared to Kevin Garnett and Scottie Pippen, Maluach has earned Rudy Gobert comps, and the closest player in NBA history to Knueppel seems to be Klay Thompson.
While Thompson is undoubtedly thrilled to play with Flagg on the Dallas Mavericks this season, he has taken Knueppel under his wing.
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“Just wanted to wish you well, and thanks for the words of trying to model your game after me,” Thompson said in a video sent to Knueppel. “Makes me feel kind of old, but also very appreciative of great young athletes like yourself who are coming to take over the league and carry on the torch of what we started. And what you and Cooper did last season and the rest of the guys, incredible run.”
While both the rookie and veteran are best known for their shooting, Thompson can boast an All-Defensive nod, and Knueppel wants to impact winning on both ends of the floor.
If anything, that drive has endeared him to Thompson even more.
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“I heard you aspire to be a two-way player, and that’s something I prided myself on for a long time,” Thompson said. “And I can still guard now!”
The Mavericks, led by Thompson, Flagg, Anthony Davis, and eventually Kyrie Irving, are expected to compete for a title this season, while the Charlotte Hornets are still a piece or two away from making the playoffs, although Knueppel will be a central part of their success.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.