Cooper Flagg: 2025-26 NBA Season Not What He Imagined

Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg recently appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” to talk about the Mavericks and the NBA.

Flagg leads the Mavs in total points (1,298), rebounds (422), assists (290), and steals (77). He’s the only player in the NBA to lead his team in the four categories. He’d join Michael Jordan as the only rookies in NBA history to lead his squad in all four stats for a season.

Flagg’s accomplishment is astonishing. However, Dallas is just 24-52, also known as the sixth-worst record in the NBA. Read on for further details surrounding his recent appearance on host and former NFL punter Pat McAfee’s show.

Cooper Flagg On Being Thrown Into the Fire

Cooper Flagg appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Wednesday. Flagg’s appearance was more than just a public display but also a revelation to the general public. Flagg told Pat McAfee, “I had to change a lot. Coming in, I wasn’t expecting to be thrown into the fire as much.

“Obviously, I was looking at AD [Anthony Davis], Kai [Kyrie Irving], Klay [Thompson]. With so many injuries and stuff, it just didn’t work out that way, and I was thrown out there with a little bit more than I would’ve expected and have a little more responsibility, but I think, overall, it’s helped me develop. The point guard thing, Coach Kidd gave me that confidence to go out there and be a creator and learn the game in a lot of different ways. I think it’s just helped me to get comfortable all around.”

His statement to McAfee could’ve been dubbed as a fair reflection. In short, he felt as if he was thrown into fire right away, including by Kidd, 53, and Kidd’s experiment with him at the point guard position. He’s a forward but appears to have acclimated to point guard for the time being.

Flagg On First NBA Season

Flagg is achieving success on and off the court, but admitted to McAfee that all of the losing has gotten to him, despite crediting Irving for helping him through the tough time.

He and his family reportedly were excited that the Mavericks won the first overall pick, partially because he wouldn’t need to be the immediate focus and wouldn’t join a team that’s focused on losing. They were concerned about what would happen to him and his psyche if he joined a team not focused on winning.

His family quickly learned the truth. Anthony Davis suffered various injuries before being traded to the Washington Wizards. Davis played just 20 games this season. They knew Irving would miss most of the season, but the season started with a thud, so the Mavs reportedly decided to sideline Irving for the season. Klay Thompson is also past his prime.

That being said, Dallas should prioritize winning soon. Dallas’ defense, which often focuses on size and depth, is only one piece to the puzzle. Irving, 34, remains sidelined from the Mavs’ lineup. That is a top concern as the team’s offensive firepower has been lacking since Irving’s torn ACL in his left knee and subsequent surgery.

Flagg’s Next Steps

Flagg’s rookie season has been challenging, both physically and mentally, but his potential next steps shouldn’t be so taxing. Flagg can certainly adjust to the pressure and expectations of the team, while developing his skills and adjusting to the league’s responsibilities and lifestyle changes, such as nutrition, rest and recovery, mental health support, and social support.