Jul 12, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dribbles against San Antonio Spurs guard Kyle Mangas (16) and guard Dylan Harper (2) in the second quarter of their game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg linked up for a photo with Hall of Famer Michael Jordan on Saturday at the 2025 Ryder Cup in Farmingdale, New York.

Flagg was seen embracing Jordan at the Bethpage Black Course in a photo posted by the Mavericks on social media. The meet-up was likely memorable for Flagg, as the No. 1 pick holds Jordan in high regard, naming him the GOAT.

The biennial golf tournament has been a lopsided affair thus far, with Europe leading the United States 11.5-4.5 entering Sunday. Scottie Scheffler, the top-ranked player in the world, became the first American player to lose a match in each of the first four sessions of a Ryder Cup.

Flagg enters the 2025-26 season as the front-runner to win Rookie of the Year. He is projected to start for the Mavericks and could have the potential to have a productive season because of his size, athleticism and ability to impact games on both ends of the court.

The 18-year-old played two games with the Mavericks in the NBA Summer League, averaging 20.5 points, five rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals on 35.7% shooting from the field. He produced 31 points and four rebounds in his final appearance on July 12.

After an eventful offseason, Flagg will officially get to work on Tuesday with the start of training camp. The organization is hopeful that Flagg can have a smooth transition to the NBA and help the team return to the postseason.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Mavericks' Cooper Flagg meets up with Michael Jordan at Ryder Cup

Reporting by Cody Taylor, Rookie Wire / Rookie Wire

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect