Cooper Flagg’s Injury a Setback, But Mavericks Avoid Worst-Case Scenario
Cooper Flagg showed up to Saturday’s Duke-Clemson game in a walking boot, sparking concern among Mavericks fans - and understandably so. But according to league sources, Dallas is breathing a sigh of relief.
Flagg’s injury, a midfoot sprain, could’ve been far worse. For now, there’s no clear timetable for his return, but the team is focusing less on the calendar and more on keeping their rookie phenom mentally engaged during what’s likely the toughest stretch of his basketball journey so far.
And it’s been a rough ride. The Mavericks limped into the All-Star break on a nine-game losing streak - their longest skid since the 1997-98 season. Sitting at 12th in the Western Conference, they’re two games ahead of the Jazz and 1.5 behind the Grizzlies, who’ve hit reset mode after sending Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah.
With Jackson now sidelined for the year following knee surgery, and Utah’s pick owed to Oklahoma City if it lands outside the top eight, there’s plenty of incentive for the Jazz to stay competitive. That puts even more pressure on Dallas to figure out the right timing for Flagg’s return. He’s been productive and promising, but the team isn’t rushing him back - especially not with the season’s trajectory hanging in the balance.
Kyrie Irving’s Future This Season Still Undecided
Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving says an update is coming soon on whether he’ll return to the court this season. While some might argue that a longer absence could improve the team’s draft positioning, sources say this won’t be a tanking decision - it’ll be a collaborative call between Irving and the Mavericks.
The key factor? How his body feels.
If he thinks he needs more recovery time, he’ll take it. If he wants to shake off the rust and get back in rhythm, that door’s still open too.
Durant Focused on Retaining, Not Reinventing, His Game
Eighteen seasons into his NBA career, Kevin Durant isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel - he’s making sure he doesn’t forget how to drive it. The Rockets star told reporters he’s more focused on keeping his full offensive arsenal sharp than adding new tricks. “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” Durant said, reflecting on the mental side of his game.
Before games, Durant’s workouts are a masterclass in intentional preparation. Balance drills, leg activation, repetition - it’s all there.
Rockets assistant coach Royal Ivey summed it up best: “I haven’t seen a bad workout.” That’s the kind of discipline that’s kept Durant elite for nearly two decades.
Cedric Coward’s Rookie Rise Continues in Memphis
Cedric Coward isn’t flying under the radar anymore. The Grizzlies rookie has started 35 of 48 games this season and is averaging 13.3 points and 6.2 rebounds - a strong return for a player who entered the league with more questions than answers. He recently sat down to reflect on his rookie campaign and the learning curve that comes with it.
One moment stood out: a late-game possession against Oklahoma City, with Alex Caruso locking him down. “I was too complicated in what I was trying to do,” Coward admitted.
“I wish I could get that moment back.” It’s a veteran-level takeaway from a young player who’s already showing he can learn on the fly.
Coward knows those moments will come again - and next time, he’ll be ready.
Bottom Line: The Mavericks are navigating a tough stretch, but they’ve avoided a major blow with Flagg’s injury. With Kyrie’s status still up in the air and the Western Conference standings in flux, Dallas has some big decisions ahead.
Meanwhile, Durant continues to defy time in Houston, and Coward is proving he belongs in Memphis. The Southwest Division is full of storylines - and the second half of the season is just getting started.