Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg is coming into his rookie year in the NBA as one of the more hyped up recruits of the last couple of decades. Before his regular season career even begins, the former Duke basketball freshman sensation is already making highlight plays on the court. The Mavericks have played four preseason games to date, and Flagg is leading the charge on the court, showcasing his elite potential. Flagg is one of five Duke rookies this season, as the program's entire starting five from last year was selected in the 2025 NBA Draft. If his preseason performances are any foreshadowing for what to expect from Flagg as a rookie in Dallas, fans are in for a treat.
Cooper Flagg throws down monster slam as Mavericks take down Lakers to move to 3-1 in NBA Preseason
The Mavericks took down the Los Angeles Lakers 121-94 on October 16th to improve to 3-1 in NBA Preseason action. Not only was Flagg a key contributor for Dallas in his 28 minutes of action, but the 2025 AP National Player of the Year threw down a monster slam to get the crowd going.
Oh my Rš¤š¤K pic.twitter.com/QH6k3VVRiR
ā Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) October 16, 2025
Flagg finished the night with 13 points, two rebounds, and three assists on 5-of-11 (45.4%) shooting from the field. Through his four preseason games, the 6'9" wing is averaging 11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 steals a game on 39.5% shooting from the floor and 30.7% shooting from three-point range. Despite early efficiency struggles, Flagg is performing in all facets of the game and already looks comfortable on an NBA court.
Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said after the franchise drafted Flagg that he plans to play the rookie at the point guard spot regularly this season. With star point guard Kyrie Irving out for a good chunk of the regular season with a torn ACL, Flagg will be used in a variety of ways with how talented and complete this Mavericks' roster already is.
Flagg is the heavy favorite to take home the Rookie of the Year award this season, and his early performances are already proving how elite he is.