Cooper Flagg's rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks has been a challenging yet enlightening journey. The former No. 1 overall pick has appeared in 64 games, showcasing his versatility by playing multiple positions. However, the mental toll of a tough season has been significant for the 19-year-old forward.
"I've had growth along the way, and I've had to get better and learn on the fly. ... Hopefully eventually I'll be able to look back on it, and know I was able to learn a lot from it."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 1, 2026
Mavs rookie Cooper Flagg on his rookie season.
(via @PatMcAfeeShow)pic.twitter.com/mVECWmVWNn
During a candid conversation on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Flagg opened up about the struggles of his first NBA season. After a successful run in high school and college, where he lost only four games at Duke, the frequent losses with the Mavericks have been a new experience. Flagg expressed how the season's challenges have been mentally taxing, yet he remains hopeful that these experiences will contribute to his growth as a professional.
"It's been tough," Flagg shared. "In high school and college, I only lost four games.
This season has been mentally taxing, but I've grown and learned on the fly. I hope to look back and see how much I've learned."
The Mavericks, currently standing at 24-52, have already been eliminated from playoff contention with six games left. Despite the team's struggles, Flagg has had ample opportunities to develop his skills and resilience throughout his rookie year.
Flagg is set to hit the court again on Friday against the Orlando Magic. He's posting impressive stats, averaging 20.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
His shooting percentages stand at 46.7% from the field and 27.8% from beyond the arc. These numbers have put him in the conversation for the Rookie of the Year Award, highlighting his potential and promise as a rising star in the league.