After a shaky start to his rookie campaign, Cooper Flagg is beginning to show exactly why the Dallas Mavericks made him the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft. The flashes of brilliance are turning into full-on stretches of command, and while there’s still polish needed in certain areas, Flagg is already proving he can be a foundational piece for this Mavericks squad.
Dirk Nowitzki on Cooper Flagg: “My rookie season, I shot 29% from three and it ended up being okay. We’re not worried about Cooper’s three ball.” pic.twitter.com/1rVoLlQx73
— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) January 23, 2026
One part of his game that still needs work? The three-point shot.
Heading into Dallas’ matchup against the Golden State Warriors at American Airlines Center on Thursday, Flagg was hitting just 28.6% from deep. In today’s NBA, where spacing and perimeter shooting are non-negotiables for high-level scorers, that number stands out - and not in a good way.
But if there’s one person who isn’t losing sleep over Flagg’s shooting percentage, it’s Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki. And when it comes to shooting, few voices carry more weight.
“Quick fun fact - my rookie year, I shot 29% from three, and it ended up being okay,” Nowitzki said with a smile during an appearance on NBA on Prime. “We’re not worried about Cooper’s three-ball.”
That’s not just veteran reassurance - it’s perspective from someone who’s been through the fire and come out on the other side a Hall of Famer. Nowitzki didn’t just survive a rough shooting start; he revolutionized the power forward position with his perimeter game. So when he says Flagg will be fine, it carries real weight.
Dirk also pointed out that Flagg’s early-season responsibilities may have contributed to his slow start from long range. The rookie wasn’t just trying to find his shot - he was tasked with running the offense, initiating sets, and getting teammates involved.
“He had a lot on his plate early on in the season with running the point guard and trying to get the ball to everyone,” Nowitzki said. “I think he's been a lot better from month to month. He's been more comfortable stepping into shots.”
That comfort is starting to show up in the box score. Since shifting back to his more natural position, Flagg’s game has found a rhythm. He’s averaging 26 points and 5 rebounds per game, while shooting nearly 50% from the field - a sign that his confidence is catching up to his talent.
And let’s not forget: Cooper Flagg is just 19 years old. The NBA learning curve is steep, especially for someone shouldering this much responsibility so early.
But the growth is undeniable. The shooting stroke may still be a work in progress, but the foundation - the feel, the poise, the ability to impact the game in multiple ways - is already there.
Flagg’s trajectory is exactly what you want to see from a top pick. He’s not just surviving - he’s adapting, adjusting, and steadily asserting himself as a player to build around.
And if Dirk Nowitzki says there’s no reason to panic about the jumper? That’s more than enough reason to believe the best is yet to come.