Respected NBA legend and 2016 Hall of Famer, Allen Iverson, has always seemed to make a concerted effort in embracing the "next up" generation of young, exceptionally talented basketball players setting out on their journey to carve out their own legacy in the NBA.
With Dallas Mavericks 18-year-old rookie Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, just getting started with just two regular season games under his belt, Iverson has taken it upon himself to offer up some helpful advice.
In addition to the very logical approach of suggesting that the highly-touted teenage rookie out of Duke simply take things "one day at a time," the former No. 1 overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1996 delved a little deeper into how to navigate these new, challenging waters.
"The most important thing, and I think this will take care of everything, is playing every game like it's your last, you know?" Iverson told TMZ. "You do that and everything else takes care of itself."
Those words aren’t surprising coming from Iverson, a player known for leaving everything on the court during his 14-year career.
While putting into place such a stern mindset is far easier said than done, words of advice from the influential icon will likely not go unnoticed by Flagg, and perhaps other NBA rookies too.
In his official NBA debut for the Mavericks on October 22, Flagg somewhat struggled his way to 4-of-13 shooting, although still managed to put up a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
It's also worth mentioning that said debut was certainly not lacking when it came to showing some serious flash, as Flagg delivered a memorable highlight reel moment late in the third quarter.
In just his second NBA game on Friday, October 24, with the Mavericks playing host to the Washington Wizards, Flagg put up an impressively balanced stat line, dropping 18 points, six assists, and five rebounds to go along with a block and a steal.
Next up for Flagg and the Mavs will be the Toronto Raptors in the team's very friendly-scheduled, six-game home stand to kick off the season at American Airlines Center.