The NBA’s new generation continues to shape the league both on and off the court, with young stars bringing fresh personality into the spotlight. Their influence increasingly stretches beyond basketball into wider culture.
Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg has quickly become one of the most talked-about prospects in the league. The number one overall pick already delivered standout performances early in his career.
In that context, Flagg’s rise has drawn attention to both his game and personality.
Cooper Flagg names Crunchyroll as his most-used app in GQ interview
Flagg offered a glimpse into his off-court interests during a recent interview with GQ Magazine, highlighting his passion for anime.
He named Crunchyroll, the popular anime streaming app, as his most used app.
“I definitely use Crunchyroll the most. It’s the best for having everything, from English dub to subbed anime, and Japanese and stuff,” the 19-year-old stated.
His admission reflects a growing trend among elite athletes, with anime increasingly becoming part of sports culture across multiple disciplines.
In football, players such as Dominic Solanke and Julian Brandt have openly shared their interest in anime, while MMA star Israel Adesanya has frequently referenced Naruto.
The NBA has also embraced that culture, with stars like Zion Williamson and Jaylen Brown publicly engaging with anime, showing how widespread the trend has become.
Cooper Flagg highlights One Piece as a favourite anime
Flagg also pointed to One Piece as one of his favourite series, underlining the depth of his interest in the genre.
He commented: “I watch a lot of different animes. One Piece is one of my favourites.”
The long-running series, which has surpassed 1100 episodes, stands out for its expansive storytelling and character development.
Flagg explained what he liked in animes, saying: “One Piece, for example, is a longer anime. I like just following along with the different characters and seeing how they develop over time and get stronger is pretty cool to me.”
The Dallas rookie even showcased a One Piece phone case, reinforcing his love for anime culture.
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