Cooper Flagg Is Giving the Mavericks a Reason to Believe
There’s no easing into the NBA when you’re the No. 1 overall pick, and Cooper Flagg isn’t just adjusting-he’s asserting himself. The Dallas Mavericks rookie has been thrust into a massive role, taking over starting point guard duties in a season that’s been anything but stable for the franchise. And while that kind of responsibility can overwhelm even the most promising young players, Flagg has responded with poise, production, and a growing sense of command.
Over his last six games, Flagg has been on a tear. According to the Mavericks' PR team, he’s averaging 23 points per game on an efficient 56.3% shooting from the field and 84.8% from the free-throw line.
He’s also chipping in 5.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per contest-numbers that don’t just look good on a stat sheet, but are translating directly into wins. Dallas has gone 5-1 in that stretch, and when Flagg scores 20 or more, they’re undefeated at 4-0.
Friday night’s win over the Brooklyn Nets was another example of the rookie rising to the moment. Flagg logged 34 minutes, dropped 22 points, dished out eight assists, and grabbed five boards in a 119-111 victory. That kind of all-around performance is starting to become less of a surprise and more of an expectation.
And let’s be clear-this isn’t happening in a vacuum. The Mavericks have been through the wringer this year.
Trading away Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis shook the foundation of the franchise. Kyrie Irving’s ACL injury took away another cornerstone.
The dismissal of GM Nico Harrison added more instability to a front office already navigating rough waters. In short, this has been a season defined by upheaval.
But amid the chaos, Flagg has emerged as the one constant. The 19-year-old out of Duke hasn’t just been a silver lining-he’s been the spark keeping Dallas competitive. He’s showing the kind of maturity and impact that teams hope for but rarely get from a rookie, especially one tasked with leading the offense.
Now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Comparing Flagg to legends is premature-but the blueprint is there.
We’ve seen this story before: a franchise in flux finds its footing through a transcendent young talent. Think Jordan with the Bulls, Hakeem with the Rockets, Bird with the Celtics, Duncan with the Spurs, or Curry with the Warriors.
Those players didn’t just rack up stats-they changed the culture, the expectations, and eventually, the fortunes of their teams.
That’s a lofty path, no doubt. But what Flagg is doing right now matters.
He’s not just putting up numbers-he’s giving Dallas a reason to believe again. And in a season that’s been defined by setbacks, that belief might be the most valuable thing of all.
Next up, the Mavericks head to Utah to face the Jazz on Monday. It’s another chance for Flagg to keep building momentum-not just for himself, but for a franchise that’s searching for its next chapter. And if the last six games are any indication, the rookie might just be ready to write it.