Cooper Flagg Opens Up On The Dallas Mavericks Poor Start To His Rookie Season

In the 2025 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks got incredibly lucky to move up to the No. 1 overall pick, landing a generational prospect in Duke's Cooper Flagg. While he hasn't stepped into the NBA and immediately become one of the league's best players, Flagg has shown immense potential even on a struggling team.

With the Mavericks sitting at 5–14 through 19 games, this is likely the first time in Flagg's life that his team has struggled, meaning he's got plenty of adjustments to make. Now, Flagg has addressed the early-season struggles as he adjusts to the NBA game, and as of right now, it appears as though the 18-year-old has no issues staying optimistic as he learns about life in the NBA.

"I'm just trying to keep my people close to me, my family, obviously, but I think the other part, just being optimistic… knowing we have a lot of games going forward and just sticking with it and being positive."

Through 18 games this year, Flagg is averaging 16 points, six rebounds, and three assists per game, showing that he has the ability to be a leader both on and off the floor for this organization moving forward.

Only time will tell if Flagg is the leader and the player that the Mavericks were hoping for when they landed the No. 1 pick, but if they can build around him for the future, the signs are very good for the rising star.