Jan. 23, 2026, 5:35 p.m. ET

Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki pushed back this week against any concerns surrounding Cooper Flagg’s 3-point percentage this season with the Dallas Mavericks.

Flagg is averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.3 steals on 47.7% shooting from the field in 42 games with the Mavericks. He is second in scoring among all rookies and is one of two first-year players with three 30-point performances.

The No. 1 pick is converting only 28.3% of his 3.5 3-point attempts per game, ranking 11th among all rookies in total triples (41). Nowitzki, who is the Mavericks’ all-time leader in several categories, including 3s, isn’t all that concerned with Flagg in that area this season.

“Nobody here in Dallas is worried about his 3-ball,” Nowitzki said on “NBA on Prime” on Thursday. “I think that is something that can come. Quick fun fact: My rookie season, I shot 29% from 3, and it ended up being OK. We’re not worried about Cooper’s 3-ball.”

Flagg has emerged as a leader on the court for the Mavericks, pacing the group in points, rebounds, assists and steals. He finished among the leaders in fan voting for the All-Star Game and is the front-runner for Rookie of the Year.

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The 19-year-old began the season operating as the Mavericks’ point guard, in an attempt to tap into his playmaking potential. He has since returned to his natural position in the frontcourt, enabling him to play more freely, resulting in several notable performances.

Though Flagg hasn’t been nearly as efficient as he’d like from beyond the arc, the former Duke All-American is impacting games at a high level and living up to expectations. Nowitzki can see him improving each time he steps onto the court.

“I think he has been a lot better from month to month,” Nowitzki said. “He has been more comfortable, I’d say, stepping into shots. It is not like he has changed any of his shooting form; he is just stepping into it with a little more confidence. He has been in a great rhythm since he moved more to his normal spot, averaging like 26 and five and almost 50% from the floor. He has been shooting at an incredible clip.”