Cooper Flagg Didn’t Play at All-Star Weekend-But He Still Won Big
Cooper Flagg didn’t log a single minute during the 2026 NBA All-Star festivities. He didn’t suit up for the Rising Stars Challenge, didn’t take part in the new-look All-Star Game, and didn’t show up in any of the highlight reels from Saturday night’s events. And yet, somehow, Flagg walked away from the weekend as one of its biggest winners.
Let’s break down why.
A New Format, a New Era
The NBA shook things up this year, ditching the traditional East vs. West format in favor of a three-team round robin tournament.
The result? A fast-paced, competitive showcase that felt more like a proving ground than a vacation.
And the team that came out on top-Team USA Stars-was led by a core of young American talent that looked every bit ready to carry the torch into the next generation.
Anthony Edwards took home MVP honors, flashing the kind of alpha-dog energy that USA Basketball will need on the world stage. Cade Cunningham looked like the real deal running the show, and Devin Booker-at just 29 years old-was the elder statesman of the group, providing a steady hand and international experience.
Team USA Stars edged out the World Team in a thrilling overtime finish. Yes, Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić only played five minutes each, but the intensity was real.
Players were locked in, fans were engaged, and the format felt like a breath of fresh air. It wasn’t just fun-it was a glimpse into the future.
Flagg’s Stock Quietly Rises
Now, back to Flagg.
The rookie phenom was invited to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge but sat out due to injury. And the Dallas Mavericks? They didn’t have a single player featured across the entire All-Star slate.
But make no mistake-Flagg’s presence was still felt.
Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, USA Basketball finds itself at a pivotal moment. The old guard-LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant-will likely be retired from international competition. The next iteration of Team USA is starting to take shape, and this All-Star Weekend offered a sneak preview of who’s ready to lead that charge.
Edwards is emerging as the face of the program. Booker has proven he can thrive in the FIBA game.
Cunningham’s growth has been steady and impressive, making him a logical choice at point guard. But around that trio, Team USA needs complementary pieces-versatile defenders, floor spacers, high-IQ players who don’t need the ball to make an impact.
Enter Cooper Flagg.
The Missing Piece?
At the power forward spot, Flagg checks a lot of boxes. He’s long, athletic, instinctive, and plays with a motor that never quits.
He can defend multiple positions, hit open shots, crash the glass, and protect the rim. And most importantly, he doesn’t need touches to be effective-his game is built to fit around stars, not compete with them.
Sure, Jayson Tatum is still in the mix, but after being benched during the last Olympic run in Paris, there’s a real question about his appetite for another go-round with Team USA. If Tatum steps away from the international scene, Flagg’s path to a starting role becomes even clearer.
And let’s not forget the frontcourt. Rebounding and rim protection will be critical against teams like France, who are only getting more dangerous.
Jalen Duren and Chet Holmgren look like frontrunners to fill those roles, but don’t rule out Dereck Lively II-especially if he bounces back strong from injury. The Mavericks could very well have two key contributors on the Olympic roster when it’s all said and done.
Audition Season Has Begun
This year’s All-Star Weekend wasn’t just about flashy dunks and logo threes-it was the unofficial start of the audition process for Team USA 2028. And while Flagg didn’t play, his name was still very much in the conversation.
His two-way potential, his fit alongside ball-dominant stars, and his trajectory as a rising force in the league all point to one thing: Cooper Flagg might not be an All-Star yet, but he’s already carving out a spot on the biggest stage of all.
And that’s a win that doesn’t show up in the box score.