For a while, Dallas had one recurring headache: injuries. Luka Doncic was sidelined, Anthony Davis couldn’t stay healthy, and Kyrie Irving eventually joined the list. But now, there’s a different kind of buzz in the air. Enter Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks’ most anticipated rookie in years. His relentless work ethic and polished game have turned heads since his Duke days. After a college run defined by defensive grit and offensive versatility, Flagg’s leap to the NBA comes with sky-high expectations, and Dallas is ready to believe again.

In a recent sit-down with All Things Mavs, Cooper Flagg’s trainer, Matt Mackenzie, offered a glimpse into the rookie’s mindset heading into his debut season.“I think that, for Cooper, he wants to make sure that he puts team success before individual accolades,” Mackenzie said, a rare sentiment in an era where personal branding often overshadows team goals. Still, that doesn’t mean Flagg lacks ambition.

Mackenzie admitted the 19-year-old has his eyes on the Rookie of the Year trophy, but his real focus is on keeping Dallas competitive while Kyrie Irving recovers. “He wants to make sure that he’s part of a Mavs team that can make a very deep playoff run and hopefully vie for a championship. I think that the way the roster is constructed, as long as they all stay healthy, they should 100% be in contention if they continue to gel and play together. And so I’m just so excited to see how they continue to just play together.”

It’s the kind of balance between hunger and humility that could make Flagg’s rookie campaign one to remember, because, as per the trainer, “obviously doesn’t have his eyes on rookie of the year, but certainly wants to be the Rookie of the Year…” Flagg’s preparation has extended beyond the fundamentals of basketball. Mackenzie also highlighted the commitment to physical development with routines like hot yoga to ensure he can survive the grind of the 82-game regular season. Additionally, Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki met with Flagg at an event after the two texted, and he even said he was willing to work out with him.

Mackenzie added that the advice from Dirk, who mastered footwork and balance to create separation, could allow Flagg to unlock his jump shooting game and some smaller aspects of his play, like posture and positioning. While the Mavericks boast incredible frontcourt depth, Flagg’s mix of IQ and defense adds a unique dimension to his game. Mackenzie summed up what we all hoped to see: “I know Cooper is very ready to go.”

Despite big promises, Cooper Flagg needs to be cautious. His left ankle injury during Duke’s ACC tournament was a stark reminder that even elite talents aren’t immune to setbacks. The freshman phenom was sidelined in a high-pressure game, showing how quickly a season or a career trajectory can be impacted. As he steps onto the NBA stage, managing his body and workload will be as important as refining his skills. Smart caution now could ensure that his immense potential isn’t derailed.

Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg Poised to Make Immediate Impact

The excitement around Cooper Flagg isn’t limited to his own camp, either. NBA analyst Bill Simmons projected Cooper Flagg to make an impact from day one. Simoons called the 18-year-old “an overcompetitive psycho” and said, “You would have known that if you watched Duke or followed him in high school… He’s a maniac.” Simmons emphasized that the ridiculous intensity Flagg plays with could transform Dallas into one of the best defensive teams in the league.

Simmons also highlighted the wealth of defensive talent around Flagg: Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and PJ Washington. “This team’s going to be such a b—- to try to score against, get offense against,” he joked. “They’re going to win 43 games just on defense.” His prediction is clear: Flagg’s energy and focus would make a difference every game.

Beyond the stats, Simmons stressed that Flagg’s mentality would define the team’s identity. “I think he’s gonna be good right away. I think he’s gonna be like genuinely noticeably impactful, and it’s gonna be every game because of the way he’s wired,” he said.

Flagg can already alter the game’s flow with effort and impact on both ends of the ball. Dallas has already seen his impact in the preseason, where he had an all-around stat line (10 points, 3 assists, 6 rebounds, 1 block) while making 2 of 3 threes, showing off his well-rounded game. Hopefully, Flagg will fulfill North Texas’ expectations of him going into this season.