The Dallas Mavericks kicked off training camp this week, and rookie Cooper Flagg has quickly made his presence felt. Across the first two days, the No. 1 overall pick showcased a combination of skill, energy, and basketball IQ that has Mavs fans buzzing about the franchise’s future.
From the very first drill, Flagg’s intensity was evident. He competed relentlessly in scrimmages, defensive rotations, and conditioning sessions, refusing to back down against veteran players. Klay Thompson, one of the team’s established leaders, was immediately impressed, noting, “I’m most impressed [that Flagg] did not sit out one drill. I don’t care how many shots he misses, how many mistakes he makes. The fact that he’s in there and he’s competing every single drill, that’s what impresses me.” The comment highlighted not only Flagg’s work ethic but also his willingness to challenge himself from day one.
Head coach Jason Kidd echoed that sentiment, praising the rookie’s awareness and on-court decision-making. “He made a lot of the right plays. Handling the ball, playing without the ball at 18 years old. He understands how to play the game at a high level, and I thought his energy was great,” Kidd said. For a player adjusting to the pace and physicality of the NBA, earning that kind of acknowledgment so early is a promising sign.
Flagg also admitted he’s still learning the league’s terminology. “It’s different, but it’s all the same thing at the end of the day. You just gotta get accustomed to saying different things. Sometimes I mess up and use old terminology I used at Duke and stuff, but at the end of the day, if you say something, it’s better than saying nothing,” he said. That humility and willingness to learn demonstrate the maturity that makes him a potential cornerstone for the Mavericks.
Beyond the quotes, Flagg’s performance has been visible in his play on both ends of the floor. He’s moving fluidly in transition, making smart cuts, and actively defending, showing early signs of the two-way impact scouts projected. In a Mavericks roster undergoing transition after significant changes, his energy and versatility are a much-needed spark.
With the preseason opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder approaching, all eyes will remain on Flagg to see how he continues to integrate into the rotation and build chemistry with his new teammates. If these first two days are any indication, the Mavericks may have found a cornerstone capable of shaping the next chapter of the franchise.
Cooper Flagg’s early camp performances suggest the rookie is not just living up to the hype — he may be laying the foundation for Dallas’ future success.
