Cooper Flagg emerges as Dallas Mavericks’ offensive anchor in a historic rookie season | NBA News
Cooper Flagg, this season, is slowly transitioning from Duke’s phenom to becoming the focal point of the Dallas Mavericks’ offense. Since his selection as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the 19-year-old forward has been pushed into a high-usage role in the absence of Kyrie Irving, who has been sidelined since March 2025 after suffering from an ACL tear. Star center Anthony Davis was also sidelined in early January 2026 with a hand injury. As of February 2026, Flagg is not only the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year but is leading the Mavericks in total points (890) and average points (19.8) and steals (1.2 per contest).
Cooper Flagg’s statistical surge and historic performance
Cooper Flagg’s offensive production reached a historic high when he delivered a breathtaking 49-point performance with 10 rebounds in a recent game against the Charlotte Hornets. With this performance, Flagg set a new milestone as the league’s youngest player, surpassing Cliff Robinson’s 45-point game in 1980. Flagg’s ability to carry Dalla’s offensive frontline as a primary playmaker has drawn comparisons to elite point-forwards. He is averaging 19.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while shooting from the field at an efficiency of 48.4% and a reliable 79.6% from the free-throw line. Though his ability from the 3-point line is still a work in progress, and is currently only 28.9%. Over the last 10 games, Flagg has averaged 24.4 points while 51.5% from the field, proving his ability to become the franchise’s cornerstone despite the current 19-30 record.
Copper Flagg’s resilience through Injury and Mavs’ roster turmoil
One of the most impressive abilities on display this season is Flagg’s durability despite Dallas’s bad luck due to injuries. While Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving remain sidelined, Flagg has appeared in 45 of the team’s 49 games. And though he’s still dealing with a lingering ankle sprain, he has managed to show determination and a level of resilience that screams greatness. Standing at 6’9″ with a 7’0″ wingspan, Flagg’s defensive versatility is equally vital. He is currently averaging 1.2 steals and 0.8 blocks per game, and often gets tasked with defending the opponent’s best player. Despite the Mavericks’ 11th place in the Western Conference, Flagg’s rapid development is the undisputed silver lining for the franchise as they aspire to rebuild their future around the Maine native.
