Cooper Flagg is starting to turn heads in Dallas - and for good reason. After a quiet start to his rookie campaign, the No. 1 overall pick is finding his rhythm, showcasing the kind of all-around game that made him such a coveted prospect. The adjustment period is behind him, and now we’re seeing the potential unfold in real time.
Flagg’s emergence offers a silver lining for a Mavericks team that’s been through some turbulence. The Luka Doncic trade to the Lakers sent shockwaves through the league and left Dallas searching for a new identity. Landing the top pick in the draft and selecting Flagg was a bold step toward the future - and right now, that future is starting to look a lot brighter.
But let’s pump the brakes on the Luka comparisons - at least for now. Former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins put it plainly during an appearance on Run It Back: “That's a conversation down the line.
It's hard to make a judgment on a rookie in his rookie season... I think everybody knows this kid's gonna be really, really good in the NBA.
But do we know if he turns into a Luka Doncic in the next three to four years? That's still in the air.”
Cousins isn’t wrong. Luka Doncic didn’t just play well - he transformed the Mavericks into a perennial contender and led them to the NBA Finals in 2024.
He’s a five-time All-NBA First Team selection and one of the most complete offensive weapons the league has ever seen. That’s a high bar for anyone, let alone a 19-year-old still finding his footing.
But Flagg is already doing things that demand attention. His recent 49-point explosion - the most ever scored in a single game by a teenager - wasn’t just a highlight; it was a statement.
He’s not just surviving out there. He’s taking over games, showing poise, creativity, and a scoring touch that’s ahead of schedule.
This kid's [Cooper Flagg] gonna be really, really good in the NBA. Do we if he turns into a Luka Doncic in the next 3-4 years?"
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 2, 2026
DeMarcus Cousins says that the Mavs have not yet made up for losing Luka by drafting Cooper Flagg 🗣️
(via @RunItBackFDTV)
pic.twitter.com/rH1WeARxyG
The Mavericks may still be battling inconsistency in the standings, but Flagg has been a bright spot - a nightly reason to tune in. He’s not just putting up numbers; he’s playing with confidence, showing flashes of leadership, and proving he belongs on this stage.
There’s still a long road ahead, and Cousins is right - the time for big-picture comparisons will come. But right now, Flagg is doing exactly what you want from a top pick: growing, adjusting, and flashing the kind of upside that makes you believe he could be the next face of the franchise.
And if he keeps this up, it won’t be long before the league starts taking serious notice.