Cooper Flagg Reveals How Tough It's Been In His Rookie Campaign

Being the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft comes with plenty of perks, but it also comes with some downsides as well, something we've seen all too often in the history of the NBA. The main issue with being a top pick is going to a bad team while having all of the pressure on your shoulders, and that's what Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg has been dealing with in 2025/26.

While the team has been bad, Flagg's numbers have been fantastic as he has averaged 20 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists per game, showing why he's expected to be a top player in the NBA for years and years to come. Now, the 19-year old has opened up on the pressures that come with the position he's in, as well as the losing, something that a superstar like Flagg isn't too accustomed to.

“Obviously it's been tough like you said. Through high school, college, I mean, I only lost four games last year, so there's been times of the season where it's been really mentally taxing on me. Just not having the success that I would have hoped for. And obviously, we've had a lot of injuries and a lot of things happen throughout the year, but it's obviously not been ideal. And I mean, I've had growth along the way and I've had to get better and learn on the fly. Definitely not the start I would have looked for, but I think hopefully eventually I'll be able to look back on it and know that I was able to learn a lot from it.”

Clearly, this season has been rather taxing on Flagg, and while it may not get better in the immediate future, the team will be looking to build around him, and if they can find some talent, this is a player that could lead them back to success, sooner, rather than later.

Despite all of this, Flagg has been consistent throughout his rookie campaign, and if he can get the mental side of his game under control, it bodes very well for his future.