Sports · Basketball · 4 hrs ago
Cooper Flagg says Mavericks are focused on winning after strong start
Cooper Flagg praised the Mavericks’ new focus on winning after Dallas overhauled its front office and coaching staff in the offseason.
The 19-year-old forward won Rookie of the Year in his first season, when the team finished 26-56.
Dallas is 3-2 overall and 3-1 with Flagg playing, who has put up strong numbers through four games in his second season.
Flagg said Kyrie Irving’s offensive pull and Zaccharie Risacher’s defense have helped the team’s start.
Irving has found a new purpose alongside Flagg, who is 15 years younger, and has spoken positively about staying with Dallas.
Team president Masai Ujiri has publicly backed Irving, and coach Dusty May has praised his work ethic and help with younger players.
A strong trade market could await Irving if Dallas makes him available, but the team has not said it plans to trade him.
Cooper Flagg says the Mavericks are focused on winning and competing after a strong start to the season.
The 19-year-old forward credited the team’s new regime with trying to change its culture.
Dallas has gone 3-1 with Flagg in the lineup and is 3-2 overall.
Through four games, Flagg was averaging 25.3 points, 6.8 assists, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.3 blocks.
Flagg missed a home loss to San Antonio with a shoulder injury.
- Who
- Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks.
- What
- Flagg said the team is focused on winning and competing. Dallas had a 3-2 overall record.
- When
- The report was published on October 29, 2026, during the season’s opening games.
- Where
- Dallas. The team’s home loss to San Antonio was in Dallas.
- Why
- Flagg said the new regime is prioritizing winning and changing the team’s culture.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Flagg won the Rookie of the Year award as the Mavericks finished 26-56.
The Mavericks overhauled their front office and coaching staff.
Flagg averaged 25.3 points, 6.8 assists, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.3 blocks.
Dallas beat the shorthanded Thunder, who entered the game with a 4-0 record.
Flagg missed a home loss to San Antonio with a shoulder injury.
- Flagg's age
- 19
- Dallas record with Flagg in lineup
- 3-1
- Mavericks' overall record
- 3-2
- Flagg points per game through four games
- 25.3
- Flagg rebounds per game through four games
- 5.3
What people are saying
That’s winning. That’s all we are worried about. Doing whatever we can to win, compete.
I think we are 15 to 20 points better with him just doing the little things.
When we’re out there on the court, just have fun. When we say have fun, we’re trying to compete at the highest level. We’re trying to win.
We truly believe in [Irving]. We truly believe that he can succeed on our team.