The Dallas Mavericks season comes to a close on Sunday at home against the Chicago Bulls. Dallas has had a disastrous year as they enter a new phase, but the one bright spot has been the play of Cooper Flagg.
Flagg remains a finalist to win Rookie of the Year and has met expectations for the Mavericks, offering fans a little bit of hope for the future. The 19-year-old forward has posted 21.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 46.8% from the field and 29.6% from beyond the arc in 69 games this year.
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His combination of size and two-way instincts has already made him one of the most impactful young players in the league. Flagg still has ways to improve his game, but the 2025 NBA Draft first overall pick is looking like a future superstar.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32)© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Flagg got off to a strong start in his final game of the year on Sunday against Chicago. Through his first 10 minutes of action, Flagg collected 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting along with four rebounds, one assist, one block and zero turnovers, playing efficient basketball.
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However, early in the second quarter Flagg came up hobbling after an offensive possession, and the Mavericks immediately called a timeout and removed him from the game as he headed back to the locker room.
He did not return during the first half, and at halftime the Mavericks made an official announcement on his status. “Cooper Flagg (left ankle sprain) will not return to tonight’s game against the Chicago Bulls,” the team wrote on X.
This officially brings Flagg’s rookie campaign to an end, and the hope is that the injury is not serious and will not affect him heading into next season. It is unclear whether the decision to sit him was precautionary, especially with the Mavericks not playing for anything at this stage.
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Flagg did also miss eight games in February, including the Rising Stars game, due to a left foot sprain. However, this is an entirely new setback.
Dallas will now shift its focus to ensuring Flagg enters the offseason healthy, because his long-term development remains the focal point of the franchise’s rebuild.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.