Raiders star Maxx Crosby took a break from NFL prep to attend NBA Summer League and show love to Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, calling him a “great one” after a strong outing vs. the Spurs.
Raiders Star Supports NBA’s Top Rookie Pick in Vegas
NFL meets NBA in Las Vegas.
While ramping up for his seventh season with the Las Vegas Raiders, Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby found time to hit the hardwood—well, courtside—to check out the NBA Summer League, and more specifically, Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg.
After posing for a photo with the No. 1 overall pick, Crosby dropped some praise on X:
“Dallas Got a Great One 🦅 💎”
Big words from a big-time baller.
Flagg’s Summer League Debut: A Tale of Two Games
Flagg, who went No. 1 overall out of Duke to the Dallas Mavericks, had a mixed bag during his Summer League stint. In his first game, facing Bronny James and the Lakers, Flagg struggled—shooting just 5-of-21 and finishing with 10 points.
But like all elite athletes, the bounce-back was strong.
Facing Dylan Harper and the Spurs, Flagg came alive—dropping 31 points on 10-of-21 shooting and reminding everyone why he was the top pick.
After that game, the Mavericks shut him down for the rest of summer league—aka, “we’ve seen enough, this kid’s legit.”
Flagg, mature beyond his years, told reporters:
“It’s a new environment, new setting… They want to see me be aggressive and do that type of stuff.”
He’s learning fast—and playing faster.
Maxx Crosby: Raider, Grinder, Basketball Fan
While Flagg was putting on a show, Crosby is prepping for another monster NFL season. The 27-year-old defensive end logged:
- 45 total tackles
- 28 solo tackles
- 7.5 sacks in 2024
And earned his fourth straight Pro Bowl nod. He’s become the heartbeat of the Raiders defense—known for his relentless motor, leadership, and yeah, not-so-secret love for hoops.
Crosby repping Flagg just shows the mutual respect elite athletes across sports have for one another. And hey, Vegas is the perfect crossover city for that kind of energy.
Final Word: Two Stars, Two Sports, One Moment
Flagg’s journey is just beginning. Crosby’s is still going strong. But that photo and post? It’s a crossover moment that hits different.
It’s a Pro Bowl pass rusher tipping his cap to a future NBA star—and saying, in so many words: “I see you, kid.”
And something tells us this won’t be the last time Maxx Crosby shows up to watch Cooper Flagg put on a show.
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