Mavericks' Cooper Flagg Faces Rookie of the Year Dilemma

Mavs' long-term rebuild may come at the expense of Flagg's individual award chances.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks' prized rookie, has been putting up impressive stats this season, making him a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award. However, NBA insider Marc Stein believes the Mavericks' focus on rebuilding and securing a high draft pick in 2026 may come at the expense of Flagg's individual award chances.

Why it matters

The Mavericks are in a pivotal year as they look to rebuild around Flagg following the Luka Doncic trade. While Flagg's individual success is important, the team's long-term goals of securing a top draft pick may take priority, potentially hurting his Rookie of the Year candidacy.

The details

Flagg has been impressive this season, averaging 20.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. However, Stein believes the Mavericks' best path forward is to lose as many games as possible to improve their draft position in 2026, the final year they control their own first-round pick until 2031. This strategy may conflict with Flagg's individual award aspirations.

  • The Mavericks have 18 games left in the 2025-26 season.
  • 2026 is the final year the Mavericks control their own first-round pick until 2031.

The players

Cooper Flagg

The Dallas Mavericks' prized rookie, who has been putting up impressive stats this season and is a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award.

Marc Stein

An NBA insider with connections to the Mavericks, who believes the team's long-term rebuilding goals may come at the expense of Flagg's individual award chances.

Luka Doncic

The former Mavericks superstar who was traded away, leaving the team in a rebuilding phase.

Kon Knueppel

A rookie playing for the Charlotte Hornets, who may end up winning the Rookie of the Year award over Flagg due to his consistency.

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What they’re saying

“The Mavs have 18 games left, and the truth is, if they can go 0 – 18 it would be the best thing for them. That's the way the system is.”

— Marc Stein, NBA Insider (All NBA Podcast)

What’s next

The Mavericks will need to balance their long-term rebuilding goals with Flagg's individual award aspirations as the season winds down.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential conflict between a team's long-term strategy and an individual player's pursuit of awards and recognition. The Mavericks will have to carefully navigate this dilemma as they look to rebuild around Flagg while also supporting his Rookie of the Year candidacy.