The No. 4 Duke Blue Devils are gearing up for a big-time ACC showdown against the No.
20 Clemson Tigers on Saturday, but the buzz around Cameron Indoor isn’t just about the current roster. Making his return to Durham during the NBA’s All-Star break is none other than Dallas Mavericks rookie sensation Cooper Flagg - and yes, he turned heads the moment he walked in.
Flagg, just 19 years old and already making waves in the league, showed up to support his former team. But fans quickly noticed something else: the rising star was wearing a walking boot on his left foot. According to reports out of Dallas, Flagg is nursing a midfoot sprain - an injury he picked up back on February 7 during the Mavericks’ 138-125 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
Here’s the good news: Flagg didn’t appear to be in any visible discomfort as he moved around the arena, even sharing a quick dap with someone upon arrival. And with Dallas not scheduled to play again until February 20, when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves, there’s still a window for him to recover.
If Flagg suits up for that game, it likely means the injury is a mild one - possibly a grade-one sprain, which typically doesn’t require extended time off. But the Mavericks will be cautious. With a player of Flagg’s caliber, there’s no reason to rush things, especially given how central he’s become to their plans this season.
And make no mistake, Flagg has been central. Despite entering the league known more for his forward play at Duke, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has handed him the keys at point guard - a bold move that’s already paying dividends. It’s not every day you ask a teenager to run an NBA offense, but Flagg has embraced the challenge like a seasoned vet.
Through 49 games, he’s putting up 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per night. He’s shooting an efficient 48.2% from the field, though his 30.2% clip from deep leaves room for growth. Still, those are serious numbers for a rookie, especially one learning a new position on the fly.
Cooper Flagg in the building for this one 👀 pic.twitter.com/T4Q9U6htuN
— Chase Justice WYFF News 4 (@ChaseJusticeTV) February 14, 2026
The Mavericks will keep a close eye on that left foot over the next few days, weighing his availability for the Timberwolves matchup. But seeing Flagg back at Duke, walking comfortably and soaking in the atmosphere, is an encouraging sign - not just for Dallas fans, but for anyone excited about the future of this young star.
He’s already made a name for himself in the NBA, and now, even in street clothes, he’s reminding everyone in Durham why he was the talk of college hoops not long ago.