The Dallas Mavericks are dealing with a sudden wave of injuries, and it's forced them to make a quick roster move. Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg exited the game against the Denver Nuggets in visible pain after tweaking his left ankle early in the contest.
Not long after, big man Daniel Gafford also limped off, nursing an ankle injury of his own-on the opposite leg. Just like that, Dallas found itself down two key frontcourt contributors.
Enter Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.
The Mavericks added the 25-year-old forward on Thursday to help stabilize their rotation. He’s coming off a stint in the G League with the Texas Legends and brings some familiarity with the Western Conference from his earlier days with the Oklahoma City Thunder. While he’s not expected to replicate Flagg’s upside or Gafford’s interior presence, Robinson-Earl gives Jason Kidd a versatile body who can plug minutes in a pinch.
For fans hoping to see Flagg continue his high-flying rookie campaign, Thursday won’t be the night. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is listed as doubtful ahead of the Mavericks’ matchup with the Utah Jazz, which tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Flagg’s night against Denver was cut short after just 15 minutes. He finished with six points, a rebound, an assist, and a block before leaving the floor.
It wasn’t the kind of stat line we’ve grown used to from the rookie, who’s already shown flashes of elite two-way potential. But the ankle injury forced Dallas to play it safe, and now his status is up in the air for the near future.
Gafford, meanwhile, was making his usual impact on the glass before he too had to exit. In 18 minutes, he notched six points and pulled down 10 rebounds, continuing his trend as one of the Mavericks’ most reliable rebounders. His physicality and rim protection have been crucial for Dallas this season, and losing him-especially alongside Flagg-leaves a noticeable void in the frontcourt.
With both players sidelined, the Mavericks leaned on Naji Marshall to carry the scoring load. The guard delivered, pouring in 24 points over a hefty 38-minute workload.
P.J. Washington added 12 points, leading the forwards in scoring and helping keep the offense afloat.
Now, with injuries stacking up, Robinson-Earl steps in as emergency depth. He’s not new to the league, and while he may not grab headlines, his ability to defend multiple positions and contribute on the boards could prove valuable in the short term. For a Mavericks team suddenly thin up front, every bit of help counts.