Mavs rookie Cooper Flagg shows versatility in preseason debut

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg shows versatility in preseason debut

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Oct 7, 2025 10:55 AM ET

With the 2025-26 NBA season set to tip off at the end of October, fans everywhere, but especially in Dallas, are anxious to see how Cooper Flagg will perform during his rookie season. Flagg provided a glimpse of his potential in his preseason debut on Monday night.

Flagg, who won't turn 19 until late December, played just 14 minutes in the Mavericks' 106-89 win over the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder. But he made the most of his time on the court.

Cooper Flagg shows great potential in preseason debut

The No. 1 overall pick of June's NBA Draft did it all, scoring 10 points, including splashing a pair of three-pointers, to go along with six rebounds and three assists. Also known for his willingness to hustle on defense, Flagg also shifted momentum with a monster block at the rim.

Cooper Flagg shined in his preseason debut vs. OKC

10 PTS
6 REB
3 AST
2 3PM
14 MIN pic.twitter.com/ycdvICNxNt
— NBA (@NBA) October 7, 2025

Despite a tumultuous end to last season for Dallas, mostly due to the controversial decision to trade franchise icon Luka Doncic in February and the subsequent injuries to newcomer Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, Mavericks fans may have a new superstar to fall in love with in Flagg.

In his lone college season, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 boards and 4.2 assists while shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from beyond the arc. Flagg was named the ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year for the 2024-25 college basketball season. He joined fellow Blue Devil top pick and current New Orleans Pelican Zion Williamson, Marvin Bagley III and Jahlil Okafor as the only players in conference history to win both awards in the same season.

While nothing is ever guaranteed in the NBA and nothing will make Mavericks fans miss Doncic any less, all signs point to Flagg carrying Dallas' proverbial flag as the face of a new era for years to come.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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