DALLAS — Cooper Flagg won Rookie of the Year in April with 56 of 100 first-place votes. His second NBA season comes after a summer that Mike Schmitz says Flagg has spent working in the Dallas Mavericks gym.
Flagg started all 70 games he played and averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 33.5 minutes a night. He took 17.1 field-goal attempts per game and shot 46.8% from the field. From 3-point range, Flagg made 1.0 of 3.5 attempts per game and shot 29.5%. He made 82.7% at the free-throw line.
Dallas went 26-56 and finished 12th in the Western Conference. The Mavericks ranked 27th of 30 teams in offensive rating at 110.3 and shot 34.4% from 3-point range.
Mike Schmitz On Cooper Flagg’s Year-Two Growth
Schmitz, hired as Mavericks general manager May 8, made his comments Friday on “G-Bag Nation” on 105.3 The Fan.
There is not one area Schmitz has circled for Flagg. His list included Flagg’s IQ, feel, toughness, skill, versatility, and ability to affect both ends of the floor.
“I think just continuing to be himself,” Schmitz said. “He’s such a competitor. His IQ, his feel for the game, his toughness, his skill level, his versatility — there are so many different ways he can hurt you on both ends of the floor.”
“So I think it’s being himself,” Schmitz continued. “He’s been working his tail off all summer, has been completely locked in, and I know he’s excited to make a jump in year two. I don’t know if it’s one emphasis. I think he’s such a talent who impacts the game in so many different ways, and now it’s our job to help maximize him. We feel we’ve got the roster in a good place where we’re going to see that.”
Flagg joined Michael Jordan as the only rookies to lead their team in points, rebounds, assists, and steals since steals became an official statistic in 1973-74. He also became the second-youngest Rookie of the Year behind LeBron James.
Kon Knueppel, Flagg’s former Duke roommate, received the other 44 first-place votes. With the Charlotte Hornets, Knueppel averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists.
Cooper Flagg Continues Work On His 3-Point Shot
Flagg attempted 3.5 shots from behind the arc per game as a rookie and made 29.5%. He averaged 1.0 made 3-pointer per game.
The 3-point shot has been part of Flagg’s work this summer. Schmitz said he has been in the Mavericks’ gym throughout the offseason.
“He has a great touch,” Schmitz said. “He can shoot on the move. He can handle the ball. I know it’s something he’s been really, really working at, and has a great touch — great touch at the (inaudible), great touch around the rim. So I think you’re going to see him continue to improve in those areas.”
“But he’s been in our gym all summer, and like I said, he’s working his tail off,” Schmitz continued. “So obviously very thankful to have Coop on our side.”
After coaching all 82 games last season, Jason Kidd and the Mavericks parted ways May 19. Dallas hired Dusty May on June 22.
What Changes Around Cooper Flagg In Year Two
A day after hiring May, Dallas selected Morez Johnson Jr. with the ninth overall pick. Johnson played for May at Michigan last season and averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds for the national champions.
Later in the first round, the Mavericks moved up from No. 30 to acquire the draft rights to Sergio de Larrea at No. 25.
On July 19, Dallas acquired Zaccharie Risacher in a three-team trade. The Atlanta Hawks had selected him first overall in 2024.
Santi Aldama and Marcus Sasser arrived in a separate six-team deal. Dallas also acquired the draft rights to Tarik Biberović.
Kyrie Irving Has Yet To Play With Cooper Flagg
Kyrie Irving tore the ACL in his left knee on March 3, 2025, against the Sacramento Kings. Dallas ruled him out for the entire 2025-26 season on Feb. 18. Flagg has yet to play a game alongside him.
In 50 games before the ACL tear, Irving put up 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game in 2024-25.
Dallas got seven games from Dereck Lively II last season. He averaged 1.6 blocks while playing 16.4 minutes per game.
On Aug. 2, Dallas extended Naji Marshall on a three-year, $52.2 million contract that runs through 2029-30. The Mavericks carry 16 players on standard contracts.
Flagg and Dallas open the regular season against the Houston Rockets on Oct. 21. Tip-off in Houston is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT.
