Cooper Flagg Changes Plans After Mavericks’ Travel Setback

More than 5,000 flights were canceled nationwide Monday, including over 1,000 at LaGuardia Airport. Local officials urged residents to avoid non-essential travel. NJ Transit suspended services, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority reported widespread delays. Dallas, practicing in Indianapolis after a 134-130 win over the Pacers, opted to remain overnight rather than risk uncertain travel conditions.

Head coach Jason Kidd acknowledged the unpredictability. “You might not be able to get there, so it’s all good. I’m joking,” Kidd said. “The weather I don’t know why we’re going to be affected and you’re going to be affected. Tomorrow’s going to be a long day. We can’t leave until the evening and there’s no guarantee.”

The missed television appearance would have marked another milestone in Flagg’s rapid ascent. Drafted No. 1 overall in 2025 after a one-and-done season at Duke, the 19-year-old has quickly become the centerpiece of Dallas’ offense. Through 49 games, he is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 34.1 minutes while shooting 48.2% from the field and 80.4% from the line. He leads the Mavericks with 999 total points.

Flagg became the youngest player in NBA history to score 40 points in a game and later set the teenage single-game scoring record with 49 points. That 49-point, 10-rebound effort made him the first rookie since Michael Jordan in 1985 to post a 49-and-10 line. He also produced four consecutive 30-point games, becoming the youngest player ever to do so.

Currently, Flagg is recovering from a left midfoot sprain suffered before the All-Star break. Kidd said he has progressed out of a walking boot and resumed light workouts, though he remains on a day-to-day evaluation.

For now, both his return to the court and his late-night debut are on hold. The Mavericks will monitor weather conditions as they await clarity on their matchup in Brooklyn. In a season defined by rapid growth and national attention, this setback appears temporary, a pause in a rookie year that continues to draw the league’s focus.