Cooper Flagg begins second NBA season with Dallas Mavericks

Cooper Flagg is set to begin his second NBA season tonight as the Dallas Mavericks travel to Houston to face the Rockets. Following a standout rookie campaign, Flagg earned the 2025–2026 NBA Rookie of the Year award, becoming the first Mavericks player to receive the honor since Luka Dončić in 2019.

During his debut season, Flagg averaged 21.0 points per game, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals. The Mavericks enter the 2026–2027 season with additional roster changes, including the return of All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving following a 19-month absence due to an ACL injury. The team also expects continued scoring contributions from P. J. Washington as they aim for a playoff position.