The Slam Dunk Contest is one of the NBA’s most well-known festivities during the All-Star Weekend. Many rookies usually participate in the event, and now, with one of the most highly-touted rookies in years, fans naturally wonder if Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg intends to join the event.

“See, I don’t know if I can really compete,” Flagg told reporters who asked him about potentially joining the event. “I’m more of an in-game dunker, so, never say never, but I don’t know if I can really compete.”

Flagg has had some of the most stunning dunks of the season so far, including a fastbreak jam, and just days ago, a poster slam on Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham. Over his college career too, he had some fabulous dunks, so it is a bit surprising that he doesn’t consider himself able to compete against the league’s other stars.

That wasn’t the only event Flagg talked about. He was also asked about potentially joining the three-point shootout, which led to a more humorous response.

“I don’t know about that either,” Flagg joked, with reporters laughing. “I think we have some better candidates on our team for sure, Max [Christie], Klay [Thompson].”

This year’s All-Star Weekend is set to take place at the LA Clippers‘ home arena, the Intuit Dome, in Los Angeles, and Flagg is likely already one of the frontrunners for the Rising Stars game, which features some of the most exciting rookies and sophomores around the league.

Through the 36 games the youngster has played this season, he’s logged 18.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, operating as a bright spot for a Mavericks team which has been otherwise disappointing due to injuries and lackluster performance this season.

Cooper Flagg Reacts to Rare All-Star Voting Moment, Cites Anthony Davis’s Impact

Recently, when the second round of the All-Star fan voting list was revealed, Cooper Flagg’s name showed up 16th on the Western Conference ballot with over 236,000 votes, the only rookie to be listed in the top 40 in votes leaguewide.

For a rookie finding steady footing in the league, it was an unexpected kind of spotlight, and Flagg admitted as much, framing the moment as something he hadn’t quite processed yet.

“Yeah, I feel blessed,” he told reporters. “Obviously, to see that is really cool. I feel really honored, really blessed to see my name up there. Yeah, I’m definitely surprised.”

Top Stories

Unrivaled Starts to Resemble the WNBA for the Worst Possible Reason

LeBron James Shares Evidence Against NBA Ref That Draymond Green Wants Fired

Sophie Cunningham Signals Interest in Rejoining Caitlin Clark, Lexie Hull at Her Charity Event

Kelsey Plum Can’t Hide What She Thinks About Aliyah Boston After Making Unrivaled History

CFB Fans Trace Caitlin Clark’s ‘Voodoo’ Through Carson Beck’s Miami Decision, National Championship Game

There was no victory lap, no entitlement to recognition, but instead, Flagg leaned into gratitude. He kept circling back to one point: appreciation, not accomplishment.

Even with fans now pushing him into the national conversation, Flagg has made it clear that his mindset hasn’t shifted.

That approach was reinforced through a recent conversation with superstar teammate Anthony Davis, who understands the All-Star process better than most. Flagg asked Davis what the experience was like, but it wasn’t anything elaborate.

The 10-time All-Star Davis represents a vision of the longevity Flagg can one day reach, but by learning, not rushing. For now, the rookie remains focused on growth.