The legend of Dallas past, and the hope for Mavericks future, will share time together in the city this weekend. Dirk Nowitzki will host the seventh annual Dirk Nowitzki Foundation Tennis Classic on September 13 at Banner House at T Bar M, and has invited new-Maverick Cooper Flagg to participate. In a sit down with Mike Curtis of Dallas Morning News, Dirk spoke about his foundation’s efforts in conjunction with the celebrity tournament, his relationship with the franchise and its newest prized acquisition,
and his focus on new role with the NBA studio show produced by Amazon Prime.
It has been no secret that Nowitzki’s relationship chilled over the last 18 months, particularly during its transition from majority ownership by close friend Mark Cuban. Dirk went from legendary player, to vague front office consultant, to nearly forgotten reference point during the PR debacle from the franchise after the Luka Doncic trade. And for Nowitzki, who’s stood on loyalty during his last 25+ years in public life in the states, it has been troubling to witness that dynamic when he still resides with his family in the area.
But Dirk, ever the professional, his time with Dallas Morning News revealed that while he and Flagg have not met and don’t currently have much of a relationship, he’s very willing to be of support to him as he transitions to an even larger stage.
“We were texting a bit after he was drafted,” Nowitzki shared. “I wanted to welcome him to the city and let him know if there’s anything he ever needs that I’m here for him and happy to help. I’m just a phone call away.”
Dirk reflected that the transition into the league is never easy, even for someone like Flagg who has seemed in the spotlight for several years at just 18 years old. The 6’9 do-it-all forward, who was selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks this summer, spent the summer of 2024 scrimmaging with a star-studded Team USA before the Olympics, followed by a flashy and impressive single season at Duke University. But even with those accolades Dirk knows it will be a process for him.
“I’m not quite sure I can help him with advice. The only thing is keep your eyes and ears open. Keep learning from your veterans…Ask questions. How are their pregame routines? What do they eat? How do they prepare for events? What do they do with appearances? How do they interact with the media? That was key for me at the beginning, watching Michael Finley, who was a true pro. Steve Nash, learning from them.”
Flagg has shown an eagerness to learn accompanied by a fiery confidence while on the floor. And while Nowitzki is right that he has several veteran players to learn from while in the locker room, he is smart to tap into Dirk’s wisdom and build that relationship as the hall-of-famer remains willing.
“I think that’ll be my advice. Learn as much as you can. Soak it all up and eventually use it and find your own routine. Find your own way of leading.”
The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation Tennis Classic will be September 13 from 11:30 AM until 3 PM.
