Cooper Flagg’s Epic Handshake With Mark Aguirre Signals a New Era in Dallas
New Mavericks franchise cornerstone Cooper Flagg went viral for a flawless, long handshake with Dallas legend Mark Aguirre on NBA Draft night. Here’s why the moment matters for the Mavs’ post‑Luka future and how it’s igniting fan buzz ahead of Summer League.
Draft Night in Dallas: A Franchise Reboots
On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks made the expected official by selecting 18‑year‑old prodigy Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft. The former Duke Blue Devils sensation is already being billed as the next face of the franchise in the wake of last winter’s blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Handshake Heard ’Round the Internet
Moments after NBA commissioner Adam Silver called his name, Flagg walked off the Barclays Center stage and locked into an extra‑long, multi‑step handshake with Mavericks royalty Mark Aguirre—the only other No. 1 pick in team history (1981). The perfectly synchronized dap, captured on the NBA’s Instagram feed, rocketed across social platforms within minutes. Fan Reactions Went Nuclear
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“Handshake was deep.”
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“You see the handshake. Coop good.”
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“That handshake with the elder said it all.”
Thousands of similar comments filled TikTok, X, and Instagram, turning a routine greeting into a trending cultural touchpoint as fans celebrated Flagg’s effortless chemistry with a Mavericks legend.
Why Mark Aguirre Matters in This Story
Aguirre averaged 24.9 points across seven seasons in Dallas and remains a benchmark for scoring brilliance in franchise lore—even if he never snagged a ring. By delivering an unmistakable seal of approval on draft night, Aguirre symbolically handed the torch to Flagg, raising expectations that the rookie can finish what Aguirre started and bring a title back to Big D.Beyond the Viral Moment: Five Takeaways for the 2025‑26 Season
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Instant Locker‑Room Credibility – Pulling off a complex handshake with a 1980s icon shows Flagg already understands Mavericks culture.
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Marketing Gold – The video amassed millions of views in 24 hours, giving Dallas a viral launchpad for season‑ticket campaigns.
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Legacy Pressure – Like Aguirre, Flagg now carries No. 1‑pick expectations; anything short of playoff contention will feel like underachievement.
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Post‑Doncic Identity – The handshake footage became the unofficial first chapter of the Mavs’ new era, making it easier for fans to pivot emotionally from Luka.
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Summer‑League Spotlight – NBA Social’s buzz guarantees record‑high eyeballs for Flagg’s debut in Las Vegas next month.
What’s Next for Flagg and the Mavs
Dallas will open Summer League play on July 6, where coaches plan to showcase Flagg’s two‑way versatility alongside vets Josh Green and Dereck Lively II. Training camp follows in late September, and the front office is expected to hunt for another perimeter scorer in free agency to complement its new centerpiece.
Final Word: A Simple Handshake, a Massive Statement
In under ten seconds, Cooper Flagg managed to connect Dallas’ storied past with its uncertain future, signaling confidence, charisma, and cultural fit in one viral gesture. If his on‑court game proves as seamless as that handshake, the Mavericks may have found the superstar who can lead them back to the NBA summit.
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