‘It’s A Tough League’: Dallas Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg Keeps Perspective Amid Early NBA Growing Pains

Grant AfsethNovember 2, 2025November 2, 2025no comment

Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavricks, Detroit Pistons, NBA

Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images

The numbers don’t tell the full story, but they do capture the beginnings of Cooper Flagg’s NBA journey — one filled with expectation, pressure, and steady progress.

Through his first six professional games, the Dallas Mavericks’ 18-year-old forward is averaging 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. Those numbers are impressive for any player adjusting to the league’s speed and physicality, but especially for someone who would still be a college freshman had he not reclassified to accelerate his path.

Flagg entered the league under a bright spotlight as the No. 1 overall pick, joining a roster loaded with veteran stars who have experienced nearly everything the NBA has to offer. In theory, that support system should make the transition smoother. In reality, the early part of the season has demanded more of him than expected.

With Anthony Davis sidelined by a calf strain and Klay Thompson working through early shooting struggles, Flagg has been thrust into a larger role as a primary creator. He’s taking on more on-ball responsibilities, handling playmaking duties, and learning how to balance patience with assertiveness.

“It’s a tough league. It’s a transition,” Flagg said. “Honestly, I haven’t made a lot of shots or been as efficient as I would’ve wanted to, but I’m gonna just keep trusting the work. It’s nothing I think they should be worried about. I’m not worried about anything.”

Trusting the Process

Flagg’s confidence hasn’t wavered despite the uneven shooting numbers — 37 percent from the field and 29 percent from three-point range. Where he’s found consistency is at the free throw line. He’s made all 21 of his attempts so far, including an 8-for-8 showing in the Mavericks’ loss to Detroit in Mexico City.

That efficiency reflects his attention to detail and composure under pressure, even as he adapts to NBA defenses. Flagg’s mechanics remain steady, and coaches have praised his approach during film sessions and practice.

“Cooper’s not the kind of player who gets rattled,” one Mavericks staffer said. “He wants to understand why something didn’t work, then figure out how to fix it. That’s rare for someone his age.”

Saturday’s game in Mexico City served as another example of his growth. Flagg scored 16 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished four assists, but it took him 14 shots to get there. His willingness to keep attacking — and to continue shooting through frustration — stood out to both coaches and teammates.

Stepping Into a New Position

The Mavericks have continued to experiment with Flagg initiating offense, a natural fit given his court vision and feel for the game. Still, it’s unfamiliar territory for someone who spent most of his prep career as a forward. The NBA demands that decision-making happen faster, reads become sharper, and defenses adjust quicker.

Flagg has accepted that challenge head-on, using each game as a learning opportunity. Among this season’s rookies, he already ranks near the top in rebounds and assists while leading all first-year players with two double-doubles. Only three rookies — Philadelphia’s VJ Edgecombe, Memphis’ Cedric Coward, and San Antonio’s Dylan Harper — are averaging more points.

For Flagg, the early struggles are part of a broader adjustment curve. “It’s a learning process,” a veteran teammate said. “You can tell how serious he is about getting it right. He doesn’t take shortcuts. He’s in the gym early, watching film after games — all the stuff pros do.”

Learning From Those Who Came Before

Few people in attendance Saturday could relate to Flagg’s position more than Mavericks legend Shawn Marion. A versatile forward who built a 16-year career on defense, rebounding, and adaptability, Marion saw flashes of familiarity in Flagg’s performance.

“His passing,” Marion said. “He’s actually been put in a position right now to be more of a facilitator. He’s doing very well with it. He’s also a lot more explosive than people give him credit for.”

Marion, who played alongside head coach Jason Kidd during his time in Phoenix and Dallas, said Flagg’s current assignment reminds him of Kidd’s approach as a floor general — reading the defense, setting teammates up, and controlling pace.

“He’s learning quickly and you can see it,” Marion said. “He’s trying to pick up everything on the fly. It’s gonna be some bad days. There’s gonna be growing pains. But you know what? You gotta fail in order to grow and gain — and get better.”

Patience With Perspective

For all the excitement surrounding Flagg’s debut season, context remains critical. He’s the youngest player on the Mavericks’ roster and one of the youngest in the entire league, adjusting to life as both a professional athlete and a public figure in a new city.

His quiet maturity and composure have earned respect throughout the locker room, especially as he navigates the ups and downs of his first month in the league. Dallas sees flashes of what made him the consensus top pick — positional versatility, defensive instincts, and unselfish playmaking — even if the results haven’t always been immediate.

Flagg doesn’t carry himself like a teenager trying to meet the moment. Instead, he carries himself like a player confident he belongs.

“I know what I’m capable of,” Flagg said. “It’s about putting it together. It’s early, but I’ll get there.”

The Mavericks continue their road trip Monday in Houston, where Flagg will have another chance to turn potential into production.

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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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