Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis Development Emerges Amid NBA Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Nov 21, 2025 8:27 PM ET

The Dallas Mavericks won the lottery when they were awarded the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, as they got the right to select Duke Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg. The Newport, Maine, native played just one year at Duke, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.

The 6-foot-9 forward won the 2024-25 AP Player of the Year while being a consensus All-America selection.

The Mavericks have had a rough start to the 2025 season, going 4-12 through their first 16 games. While Flagg has been a prominent figure, Dallas has been missing 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, who has been dealing with a calf strain.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) celebrates with Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3)Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Davis has played in just five games this season due to his nagging calf strain. In those appearances, he has been phenomenal, as the 32-year-old has scored 20.8 points, grabbed 10.2 rebounds and averaged over one steal and block per contest.

Despite his presence while he's been on the floor, his ability to stay healthy has been an issue since the Mavericks traded for Davis, while sending Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers last season.

Since being acquired by Dallas in February, Davis has played in just 14 games, while Flagg, who is a rookie this season, has made 15 appearances.

Cooper Flagg has already played more games for the Mavericks than Anthony Davis pic.twitter.com/t4moVLsE2j
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 21, 2025

Davis' health has plagued him throughout his career in the league, especially in recent years. He has played in over 70 games just once since the 2018-19 season due to a slew of different injuries.

As for Flagg, he has been great for the Mavericks through his first 15 NBA games, averaging 15.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per contest.

If the two are able to grace the court together more often, they may be able to turn Dallas' season around before it gets too late.

The Mavericks next take the floor on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans at 8:30 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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