Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg looks on against the Los Angeles Lakers. Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Cooper Flagg will make or break Mavericks this season

Originally posted on Dallas Mavericks on SI
By Jeremy Brener | Last updated Sep 25, 2025 11:00 AM ET

Dallas Mavericks rookie forward Cooper Flagg is going into his first season in the league with sky-high expectations.

After the Mavs traded Luka Doncic back in February to the Los Angeles Lakers, Flagg has been given the task of taking over as the next franchise cornerstone. NBA.com contributor Brian Martin believes Flagg will be reason as to whether or not the Mavs succeed this season.

"He has been must-see TV before he ever stepped on an NBA court. From his high school highlights to his outstanding showing with the Select Team that scrimmaged Team USA in preparation for the 2024 Olympics, his run to the NCAA Final Four with Duke and his NBA 2K26 Summer League debut in Las Vegas with the Mavs," Martin wrote.

"After showcasing his all-around game in a pair of Summer League outings, now it’s time to see how Flagg’s game translates to the NBA over a full 82-game campaign. How will it look as he shares the court with the likes of Davis and Klay Thompson? How much can he impact both ends of the court with his 6-foot-8 frame and strong defensive instincts?"

Flagg is Mavs' X-Factor

It's difficult to be given such a large responsibility as a rookie, but Flagg is up for the challenge. He appears as well-prepared as any No. 1 overall pick has been over the last several years, even over San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, the top selection in the 2023 NBA Draft.

The difference between Flagg and his other top-pick fraternity members is that he will be expected to immediately compete with the Mavs. It won't be easy, but Flagg has some help around him with Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving when he returns from injury.

If Flagg can be the type of player he was in college right away, the Mavs can pick up where they left off and become one of the top teams in the Western Conference.

This article first appeared on Dallas Mavericks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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