‘Really Blessed’: Dallas Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg Reacts To All-Star Voting, Keeps Dunk Contest Door Open

Grant AfsethJanuary 8, 2026January 8, 2026

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Cooper Flagg has learned quickly that progress in the NBA rarely comes with a pause button. Each milestone is acknowledged briefly before the focus shifts back to the next possession, the next game, the next adjustment.

That approach framed Flagg’s reaction this week after the NBA released its second round of All-Star fan voting, where the Dallas Mavericks forward emerged as the only rookie listed among the top 40 vote-getters leaguewide. Flagg sits 16th among Western Conference players with 236,182 votes, a distinction unmatched by any first-year player from either conference.

Rather than leaning into the moment, Flagg addressed it during shootaround in Utah with the same tone he has used throughout his rookie season — appreciative, grounded, and forward-looking.

Cooper Flagg on Early Recognition

When asked about seeing his name among established stars in the All-Star voting returns, Flagg framed the recognition as meaningful but secondary to the work still ahead.

“Yeah, I feel blessed,” Flagg said. “Obviously, to see that is really cool. I feel really honored and really blessed just to see my name up there.”

The acknowledgment came without bravado. Flagg admitted the placement caught him off guard, even as his production has steadily climbed throughout the season.

“Yeah, I’m definitely surprised,” he said. “Like I said, I feel really blessed and honored. I’m just going to keep trying to get better every day.”

Learning From Experience Around Him

Flagg said the All-Star conversation sparked a brief discussion with one of the league’s most experienced players, leaning on perspective rather than expectation.

“Yeah, I just talked to him about it, asked him what that’s like with the voting and everything,” Flagg said. “We talked about it a little bit — nothing crazy. A 10-time All-Star, so he has so much experience with all that stuff. I’m just trying to learn from him.”

That player was Anthony Davis, who himself ranks 14th in Western Conference fan voting. For Flagg, the exchange was less about prediction and more about understanding how recognition fits — and doesn’t fit — into day-to-day preparation.

Production Backing the Buzz

The voting returns reflect a season that has steadily accelerated. Through 36 games, Flagg is averaging 18.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, operating as both a primary scorer and a connective playmaker for the Dallas Mavericks amid injuries and shifting rotations.

His growth has coincided with increased physical demands. Flagg acknowledged the adjustment of moving deeper into a professional season after a much shorter college schedule last year.

“Yeah, I feel good,” Flagg said. “Like I said before, I’m figuring out my routine, just trying to get my body right. It’s day to day for me — figuring out new things that work and what doesn’t. I’m just figuring it out.”

Dallas Mavericks Rookie is Grounded By Competition

The All-Star discussion unfolded alongside preparation for a familiar opponent. Utah is the site of Flagg’s most explosive NBA performance to date — a career-high 42 points in an overtime loss earlier this season — and the setting naturally brought the conversation back to competition rather than accolades.

Asked what worked during that breakout night, Flagg reflected on approach rather than output.

“Yeah, just being aggressive,” Flagg said. “Finding gaps, attacking gaps, getting downhill. I had a lot of success at the rim, so we’ll see how it goes tonight.”

Despite the career night, the loss remains part of Flagg’s memory. He acknowledged that the absence of a win still lingers.

“Yeah, it’s big,” Flagg said. “Looking to come here and get a win. Obviously we’ve got AD back tonight, and that’s huge for us. We’re just going to come out and try to get a win.”

No Rush Toward the Spotlight

When the conversation shifted to All-Star weekend itself, Flagg kept expectations modest. Asked about potential participation in the dunk contest, he deflected with a self-aware smile.

“I don’t know if I can really compete,” Flagg said. “I’ve got more of an in-game dunker style. Never say never, but I don’t know if I can really compete.”

The three-point contest earned a similar response, with Flagg redirecting attention to teammates.

“I don’t know about that either,” he said. “I think we have some better candidates on our team for sure — Max, Klay — so yeah.”

Cooper Flagg is Staying Where His Feet Are

NBA All-Star Weekend will take place Feb. 13–15 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, with Flagg already a near lock for the Rising Stars game. Whether his rookie season extends into the league’s main showcase remains to be seen.

For now, Flagg’s focus remains unchanged. Recognition is acknowledged, lessons are absorbed, and attention returns to the next possession — the same formula that carried him from promising rookie to All-Star consideration before his first season reached its midpoint.

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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