Cooper Flagg hasn’t slowed down since the Dallas Mavericks picked the 18-year-old as the No. 1 overall selection in the NBA Draft two months ago. The conversation around the prodigy just keeps building. Flagg is getting called the most complete prospect to hit the league in years, and now he’s picked up a ringing endorsement — and a little caution — from six-time All-Star Blake Griffin.

How Will Blake Griffin’s Advice Shape Cooper Flagg’s Path with the Dallas Mavericks?

The recently retired Griffin hopped on the Post Moves podcast with Candace Parker and Aliyah Boston this week, and he couldn’t hide how pumped he is for Flagg’s rookie year.

“I think he’s the most complete player that we’ve seen come into the NBA in recent memory,” Griffin said. “He passes, he shoots, he defends, he rebounds. He seems like a great teammate, seems like a great kid. What’s the red flag? Which is really exciting for basketball.”

Unlike most top picks who join teams that are rebuilding just to stay afloat, Flagg is jumping right into a Mavericks squad that’s already built to win. With Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Dereck Lively II, and P.J. Washington all on the roster, Dallas offers a rare spot where the No. 1 pick doesn’t have to take over the whole franchise from day one.

Griffin thinks that’s a major benefit. “I also love that he’s in Dallas. I think they have a really solid team around him,” he said. “Most number-one picks are going to teams that haven’t been doing too great in the past. But I’m just excited for him to start this journey.”

The Mavericks see Flagg as the foundation of the post-Luka Dončić era, bringing a two-way forward who can defend at multiple spots and run the offense as a versatile playmaker.

Still, Griffin didn’t just hand out compliments. After riding the roller coaster of NBA stardom for years, he shared advice for Flagg that could make all the difference.

“The only thing I’d say is, it’s a different level, and it’s a marathon,” Griffin advised. “You’re playing a lot of games, there’s a lot of scrutiny, there’s gonna be ups and downs. Ride that wave. Don’t get too high, don’t get too low. Just be right here.”

That kind of advice couldn’t come at a better moment. Flagg’s Summer League debut turned heads, showing off high-scoring bursts, a willingness to attack the paint, and the defensive instincts that made him a star at Duke. But those numbers — 21 percent from three, 57 percent at the line — plus some tough shot choices, showed he’s got an adjustment ahead.

Griffin made it clear: the NBA spotlight is hotter and lasts longer than anything Flagg has faced. If Flagg is going to thrive, he’ll need to handle the grind as much as the hype.

What Challenge Will Flagg Face in His First Clash Against Victor Wembanyama?

The real challenge kicks off Oct. 22, when the Mavericks hit the road to play Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.

This isn’t just another opener — it’s two huge prospects squaring off, each getting called the future of the league. Flagg is jumping straight from Summer League into a test against Wembanyama, the NBA block leader in the 2024-25 season.

For Flagg, it’s a trial by fire and a chance to prove himself against one of the game’s brightest young stars. Griffin’s advice will be front and center: don’t let the highs or lows get in your head. The game tips off at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.