Cooper Flagg Makes Early Impact as Mavericks Explore Rotations

Cooper Flagg has emerged as a defining presence for the Dallas Mavericks in the early preseason, delivering all-around contributions in a pair of games that highlighted both his promise and areas for adjustment as the team finalizes rotations before the regular season. The 18-year-old rookie, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft, scored 11 points in each outing while showing defensive versatility, but also acknowledged the learning curve involved in fitting into a veteran-laden lineup.

Dallas split its first two preseason contests, falling 120-116 to the Charlotte Hornets before beating the Utah Jazz 114-101. In the loss to Charlotte, Flagg played 24 minutes and finished with 11 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals, and later said he is still working on chemistry with Anthony Davis. "I gotta find ways to help AD more, play off him a little better, help him impact the game when he's posting up, getting his isos and whatnot," Flagg said after the game, adding that preseason reps are valuable for building on-court communication and spacing.

Coach Jason Kidd has highlighted Flagg's toughness and team-oriented approach as standouts in his early work with the Mavericks....