The NBA thrives on bold comparisons, sweeping narratives, and the promise of young stars who can change the trajectory of entire franchises. Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks’ highly anticipated No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has already been thrust into that exact spotlight. Before he’s even played a regular-season minute, Flagg is being compared to none other than Giannis Antetokounmpo—a two-time NBA MVP, NBA Champion, and one of the most dominant forces the league has ever seen.

For Flagg, the comparison is both flattering and daunting. For the Mavericks, it raises the stakes of his development even higher. And for the NBA world, it sets the stage for a compelling story of potential greatness, team-building strategy, and whether the next generational talent has truly arrived in Dallas.

This article takes a deep dive into why the comparison to Giannis is being made, what it means for the Mavericks, the potential risks of setting the bar so high, and how Flagg’s development could redefine the league’s balance of power.

The Background: Who Is Cooper Flagg?

To fully understand the weight of the Giannis comparison, we must first appreciate who Cooper Flagg is. Standing 6-foot-9 with elite length, explosiveness, and defensive instincts, Flagg entered the 2025 draft as the consensus No. 1 prospect. He dominated the high school and prep circuits, then stunned scouts during his pre-draft workouts with an uncanny blend of athleticism, two-way versatility, and competitive drive.

Flagg has been touted as the kind of player who can impact the game on both ends of the floor, a rare commodity in today’s NBA where true two-way stars are increasingly hard to find. His shot-blocking ability, transition speed, and knack for being in the right place defensively immediately drew comparisons to Giannis. Add in his growing offensive arsenal—a reliable jumper, playmaking vision, and ability to finish in traffic—and it’s easy to see why expectations are sky-high.

But here’s the twist: unlike Giannis, who entered the league as a raw, skinny prospect with an undefined skill set, Flagg is already viewed as more polished at this stage. That means the Mavericks aren’t hoping for him to “develop into something” over the course of a decade; they’re betting that he can contribute at a high level much sooner.

The Giannis Comparison: Flattering but Dangerous

When Jason Kidd, Mavericks head coach and Hall of Fame point guard, invoked Giannis’ name while talking about Flagg, it instantly made headlines. Kidd, of course, has history with Giannis—he coached him early in his career with the Milwaukee Bucks, helping set the foundation for the superstar’s development.

The parallels are intriguing:

• Length and Athleticism: Both Flagg and Giannis are physical marvels, capable of covering the court in just a few strides and disrupting offenses with their wingspans.

• Defensive Versatility: Like Giannis, Flagg has shown the ability to guard multiple positions, from protecting the rim to switching onto guards on the perimeter.

• Relentless Energy: Scouts consistently highlight Flagg’s motor and competitive edge, qualities that mirror the “never-stop” drive Giannis is famous for.

Yet, the danger lies in how early and boldly these comparisons are being made. Giannis didn’t become “the Greek Freak” overnight; it took years of grueling work, weight-room transformation, and incremental improvement. By holding Flagg to Giannis’ standard now, before he’s played his first NBA game, the Mavericks risk burdening him with unrealistic expectations that could overshadow his own unique path.

Jason Kidd’s Perspective: A Coach Who Knows

Jason Kidd’s endorsement carries extra weight because of his intimate knowledge of Giannis’ evolution. During his time in Milwaukee, Kidd challenged Giannis to handle the ball, expand his game, and believe he could become the face of a franchise. History proved him right.

Now with Flagg, Kidd sees shades of that same potential. But he has also tempered his comments, noting that while Flagg “has some Giannis in him,” he’s still a rookie who needs to learn the NBA grind, the speed of the game, and the consistency it demands.

For Kidd, the balancing act will be crucial: push Flagg to grow like Giannis, but protect him from the weight of constant comparisons. The Mavericks can’t afford for their prized rookie to crumble under the pressure of expectations.

What It Means for the Mavericks

For Dallas, drafting Flagg was about more than just adding talent—it was about building their future around a new superstar blueprint. With Luka Dončić already established as one of the league’s top players, pairing him with a young two-way forward like Flagg could form the most dynamic duo in the NBA for the next decade.

The Giannis comparison matters here because the Mavericks are envisioning Flagg as the missing piece that can elevate Luka’s ceiling. Much like how Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday complemented Giannis during Milwaukee’s championship run, Flagg could be the ultimate complementary star who both defends at an elite level and lightens Luka’s load offensively.

If Flagg lives up to the hype, the Mavericks won’t just be playoff contenders—they could be title favorites for years to come.

The Pressure of Being the No. 1 Pick

Of course, being the No. 1 overall pick comes with its own heavy baggage. History is littered with stories of top picks who crumbled under the weight of expectation. For every LeBron James or Tim Duncan who exceeded the hype, there’s a Greg Oden or Anthony Bennett who serves as a cautionary tale.

For Flagg, the added element of being compared to Giannis raises the stakes even higher. Fans will expect him to dominate right away, while opposing defenses will target him, eager to test the rookie.

The Mavericks’ challenge is to manage the narrative. If they frame Flagg’s journey as one of gradual growth, he’ll have space to develop. But if they sell him as “the next Giannis” out of the gate, even strong performances could be seen as “not enough” compared to impossible standards.

The Unique Skills That Separate Flagg

While comparisons are inevitable, Flagg isn’t a carbon copy of Giannis. In fact, there are areas where he may surpass the Bucks superstar:

• Shooting Ability: Flagg already has a smoother jumper than Giannis did entering the league. His ability to stretch the floor could make him a more versatile offensive threat.

• Playmaking IQ: Flagg has shown flashes of advanced vision, reading defenses and making passes that most rookies don’t attempt.

• Composure at a Young Age: Whereas Giannis was raw and needed years to adapt, Flagg appears more comfortable in high-pressure moments, which could shorten his learning curve.

This isn’t to say he’ll surpass Giannis’ accomplishments, but it’s a reminder that Flagg’s trajectory doesn’t have to be identical. His game may evolve into something different, equally impactful, and uniquely his own.

Risk Factors and Challenges Ahead

Despite the excitement, there are significant risks that come with Flagg’s arrival and his lofty comparisons:

Physical Demands: The NBA season is a brutal 82-game grind. Even the most athletic rookies often hit a “rookie wall.” Flagg will need to prove his body can withstand the punishment.

Offensive Consistency: While his jumper is promising, shooting percentages can fluctuate under NBA defensive pressure. Flagg must refine his shot selection.

Team Fit: Sharing the floor with Luka Dončić means adapting to a ball-dominant superstar. Flagg must learn when to assert himself and when to play off Luka.

Mental Pressure: Carrying the label of “the next Giannis” could create unnecessary mental stress. Learning to focus on his own journey will be crucial.

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for the NBA

The NBA is always searching for its next great rivalry, its next transcendent star. If Flagg truly develops into a Giannis-level player, the ripple effects will be enormous:

• A New Superstar Duo: Luka and Flagg could rival any duo in NBA history, blending scoring, playmaking, and defense.

• Market Impact: Dallas would become a marquee franchise, attracting free agents and global attention.

• Shift in Power Balance: With the Western Conference already stacked, adding another superstar-caliber player could tilt the balance of power for years.

Lessons From Giannis’ Journey

Perhaps the most important lesson for Flagg comes from Giannis himself: greatness isn’t achieved overnight. Giannis didn’t become MVP until his sixth season. His body transformed, his confidence grew, and his skill set expanded year by year.

Flagg may be more advanced as a rookie, but the principle remains: patience, consistency, and incremental growth are what build legends. If Flagg and the Mavericks embrace this mindset, the comparisons to Giannis may one day feel less like a burden and more like a prophecy fulfilled.

Conclusion: A Future Written in Pressure and Potential

Cooper Flagg’s comparison to Giannis Antetokounmpo is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it highlights the immense potential the Mavericks’ rookie brings to the table. On the other, it sets the bar at nearly impossible heights for someone who hasn’t yet played an NBA game.

For Flagg, the challenge will be to carve out his own identity while honoring the qualities that earned him the comparison in the first place. For Jason Kidd and the Mavericks, the task will be to nurture that growth without rushing it.

If they succeed, Dallas won’t just have the league’s most promising rookie—they’ll have the foundation of a dynasty. And in a league where one player can change everything, that might be the most exciting possibility of all.