Mavs Rookie Cooper Flagg Named to NBA Rising Stars Team

Flagg will represent the Mavericks in the league's annual showcase of top young talent during All-Star Weekend.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:47pm

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Dallas Mavericks rookie forward Cooper Flagg has been selected to participate in the NBA's Rising Stars event as part of the league's All-Star Game festivities. Flagg was chosen first overall in the Rising Stars draft by honorary coach Carmelo Anthony and will lead a team of promising rookies and second-year players in the mini-tournament.

Why it matters

Flagg's selection to the Rising Stars event is a testament to his impressive performance in his debut NBA season, where he has emerged as one of the league's top young talents. The event provides a platform for the next generation of NBA stars to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience playing alongside their peers.

The details

The Rising Stars mini-tournament will feature several of the NBA's top rookies and second-year players, including Flagg's teammates Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper. Flagg's team will be coached by Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony, while other teams will be led by fellow legends Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter.

  • Flagg was selected first overall in the Rising Stars draft.
  • The Rising Stars mini-tournament will take place on February 13, 2026 in Los Angeles.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A rookie forward for the Dallas Mavericks who was selected first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Carmelo Anthony

A Basketball Hall of Famer who will serve as the honorary coach for Flagg's Rising Stars team.

Reed Sheppard

A rookie guard for the Houston Rockets who will be part of Flagg's Rising Stars team.

Stephon Castle

A rookie guard for the San Antonio Spurs who will be part of Flagg's Rising Stars team.

Dylan Harper

A rookie guard for the San Antonio Spurs who will be part of Flagg's Rising Stars team.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The NBA Rising Stars mini-tournament will take place on February 13, 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

Cooper Flagg's selection to the NBA Rising Stars event is a significant milestone in his young career, showcasing his talent and potential as one of the league's top up-and-coming players. His inclusion in this prestigious showcase event will undoubtedly raise his profile and provide him with valuable experience playing alongside the NBA's other promising young stars.