Mavericks' Cooper Flagg Names NBA, WNBA Legends Including Caitlin Clark

Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks and a standout Duke player, has garnered attention not only for his basketball skills but also for his respect and admiration for WNBA star Caitlin Clark. At his introductory press conference, Flagg named his NBA Mount Rushmore as Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant, while his WNBA Mount Rushmore included Candace Parker, Brittney Griner, A’ja Wilson, and notably Caitlin Clark, whom he praised for changing the game and elevating the league's profile. Clark, who had a historic rookie season with the Indiana Fever, boosted WNBA viewership significantly and broke rookie records in points and assists. Media commentators like Peter Rosenberg have highlighted Flagg as a significant figure for white American basketball, emphasizing his potential impact in the NBA and comparing his cultural significance to that of Clark in the WNBA. Flagg’s thoughtful recognition of Clark and other WNBA stars has resonated widely, reflecting a growing appreciation for women's basketball alongside his promising NBA career.