Cooper Flagg's journey from Duke standout to Dallas Mavericks' rising star has hit a bump in the road. The Mavericks announced that Flagg remains sidelined due to a left midfoot sprain, an injury he sustained on February 10 against the Phoenix Suns. While fans eagerly await his return, the timeline remains uncertain.
Flagg's college career at Duke was nothing short of spectacular. Averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, he delivered a memorable performance against Notre Dame, dropping 42 points alongside six rebounds and seven assists. His impressive stats made him the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and he's been living up to the hype with the Mavericks, posting 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
Mavericks fans, especially those with Duke ties, have plenty to cheer for with Flagg, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II all donning the Dallas uniform. Flagg's shooting efficiency stands at 48.2% from the field, 30.2% from three-point range, and 80.4% from the free-throw line. Despite his efforts, the Mavericks face an uphill battle to make the playoffs this season.
During the All-Star break, Flagg returned to Duke, a place he still holds dear. He watched the current Blue Devils in action, including standout Cameron Boozer, who is making a strong case to be the first pick in the 2026 NBA Draft with averages of 22.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
In a nod to Flagg's growing legacy, the jersey from his NBA debut against the San Antonio Spurs fetched $1 million at a private sale by Sotheby's. Flagg's debut saw him score 10 points and grab 10 rebounds, despite a challenging shooting night in a 125-92 loss to the Spurs.
Sotheby's Brahm Wachter highlighted the significance of the sale, stating that the jersey represents the dawn of what promises to be a remarkable career, filled with high expectations and excitement.
As Flagg works his way back to the court, fans and collectors alike are keeping a close watch, eager to see the next chapter unfold in his promising career.