Cooper FlaggThe first season of Mavericks was honored by receiving the “Rookie of the Year” award. However, the team went just 26-56 and overhauled its front office and coaching staff in the offseason.
The 19-year-old forward recognized the new regime as the priority of what Flagg values most, writes Christian Clark of The Athletic (free link).
“They tried to change the culture around and (they) care about one thing,said Flagg.That’s the victory. That’s all we care about. We do everything possible to win, to compete. Each property. Every practice. Just thinking about winning and competing, not everything else.”
In his second year, Flagg is back again, averaging 25.3 points, 6.8 assists, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.3 blocks in four games (30.8 minutes per contest). The Mavericks went 3-1 with last year’s No. 1 pick in the lineup and are 3-2 overall — Flagg missed Saturday’s home loss to San Antonio with a shoulder injury.
According to Clarke, it seemed at times that Flagg was struggling to take the losses, but he looked calm after Wednesday’s win over the lowly Thunder, who entered the game with a perfect 4-0 record. Flagg acknowledged the seriousness of the attack Kyrie Irving as one of the factors of the solid start of “Dallas”, as well as the defensive work Zachary Ryzakerwhose fourth-year option was exercised Wednesday.
“I think we’re 15-20 points better when he just does the little things” Flagg said of Rizacher.”Arrows will fall. All of that, I don’t even care. When he just goes out there and competes at the highest level that he can, he makes us so much better with his versatility all over the court. He was huge for us.»
Here’s more on the Mavs:
- In an article for ESPN.com, Tim McMahon explains how Irving found a new purpose playing alongside Flagg, who is 15 years his junior. That age difference has fueled speculation that Irving could eventually be included on the trade block, but he continues to speak fondly of the organization despite the sometimes turbulent circumstances of the last few years, McMahon wrote. “I wish it was under my control, but I think it’s a collaborative effort“, Irving said when asked if he wants to finish his career with the Mavs.”I’m mature enough to understand that. … You see there is an age difference (between me and Flagg). Everyone likes to make a big deal out of it. … Every fair criticism that (has) been leveled at this franchise is fair. I’m never going to shy away from it either. But I’m just focused on continuing to improve, continuing to do my best with these guys. When we’re on the court, just have fun. When we say we have fun, we aim to compete at the highest level. We try to win.”
- According to McMahon’s sources, there is expected to be a “robust” market for Irving if the Mavericks make him part of trade talks. New president Masai Ujiri has publicly endorsed the nine-time All-Star guard, according to McMahon. “We really believe in (Irving)” said Ujiri.We truly believe that he can succeed in our team. I truly believe that if we have the right players, we can really grow as a team in the new system with (head coach) dusty (may) and the new culture we are trying to build. I honestly believe that.”
- May recently praised Irving for his “thorough” work ethic and his ability to coach his young teammates, specifically citing an incident with Morez Johnson Jr where he encouraged the big rookie after he made a mistake instead of punishing him. Grant Offset of the Dallas Sports Journal has history and quotes.
- After missing the first four games of the season with a sprained right thumb, the veteran hitter Caleb Martin made his 2026/27 season Wednesday and played well with 10 points (on 4-of-6 shooting) and two rebounds in 14 minutes. “He’s injured and sometimes when you’re in a little shootout (like the one he was in) you glue that thing down and it forces you to not think about things and just play more freely” May told Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News (Link to Twitter). “He’s lost a little bit of confidence in his shooting, (but) other than that, he’s always done well when he hasn’t tried to do too much. He is worth it. If we win games this year, he will have a big part in it. He really has a presence in our locker room. He is respected in our team. Man, what a great guy to coach.”
