Cooper Flagg’s performance the other day gave the fans a taste of what to expect in the Dallas Mavericks’ next season. The 121-94 preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers showed the world that all the praise he has been getting for his calm and assured performances in college leagues has been matched on the NBA level.
The 18-year-old forward played a total of 28 minutes, contributing with 13 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds on 5-of-11 shooting to his team’s victory. Although he failed to convert on either of his three-point attempts, Flagg’s overall poise and defensive enthusiasm were positives in a game controlled by veteran superstars.
Fans react: “Rookie of the year incoming?”
Social media went wild when Flagg did what he did on the court, as everyone was already hyping up big for the Mavericks’ rookie forward.
Cooper Flagg gonna be considered the best player on the Mavericks at the end of the year
Another said this:
People sleeping on Cooper Flagg’s in-game athleticism bout to be really surprised
Others actually compared him to his teammate superstar Anthony Davis, who had 18 points and 9 rebounds in the game. Others went even further, questioning if Flagg might turn out to be a real candidate for the Rookie of the Year award.
This is a brash statement, but I think Cooper Flagg will be Rookie of the Yea
Mavericks’ faith in Flagg already showing
Other analysts also complimented Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd for believing in Flagg like this at the beginning of his career.
Jason Kidd won’t receive proper credit … getting the ball to Cooper Flagg early in his first year as a rookie
That faith was evident on the court, as Flagg played freely with a maturity uncommon for someone his age, displaying glimpses of high-level defensive timing and intelligent decision-making in transitions.
As much as it is still too soon to make any conclusions from the preseason, his performance suggests Kidd and the Mavericks are going to give him significant minutes during the season.
If he continues to work and perform like this, Cooper Flagg’s will surely be one of the best 2025-26 NBA storylines, not only for his future plays, but for the way in which he adapts to the fast pace and hard physicality in the elite leagues.
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