Cooper Flagg Reveals Advice from Larry Bird, Kyrie Irving During Rookie NBA Season in Video

Cooper Flagg had high expectations coming into his rookie season, but he's also had a number of NBA legends to lean on for advice throughout his first year.

Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving knows exactly what it's like to be a No. 1 overall pick with plenty of eyes on you.

"He stepped in as a great vet for me and was just there, kind of giving me guidance," Flagg told ESPN's Malika Andrews (2:28 mark). "Cause there were definitely times where I was shaken up. I had never lost that much in my life, but just to hear him say that and tell me that, that I'm doing everything I need to be doing and just to stay with it and stay positive, it definitely helped me out a lot."

He also got the chance to meet NBA legend Larry Bird, his favorite player, while working on a commercial for Chime. He detailed that interaction with the Boston Celtics great.

"I was talking to him about the differences between the league now and the league back then," Flagg said (4:52 mark). "But a lot of the messages that he displayed can be seen through his play. Never giving up, being that ultimate competitor, playing hard on every single possession, those are kind of the biggest things he said."

While there are plenty of difficulties that come with being a rookie, Flagg has navigated his first year well, putting up 20.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.