Mavericks' Jason Kidd Sends Message to Cooper Flagg After Ankle Injury in Finale

The No. 1 overall pick suffered an ankle injury in the season finale, but Kidd offered words of encouragement.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:25am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball player's injured ankle, with sharp, overlapping planes in shades of navy, green, and orange conceptually representing the physical trauma and uncertainty of the injury.Mavericks coach Jason Kidd offers encouragement to rookie Cooper Flagg after his season-ending ankle injury.Dallas Today

Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks' No. 1 overall draft pick last June, had a standout rookie season, averaging 21.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. However, Flagg suffered an ankle injury in the team's season finale. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd sent a message of encouragement to the 19-year-old forward after the game.

Why it matters

Flagg's impressive rookie campaign gave Mavericks fans hope that the team had found a potential star. The ankle injury in the final game raises concerns about his long-term health and ability to build on his strong start, making Kidd's message of support important for the young player's development.

The details

Flagg went down with the ankle injury late in the Mavericks' final regular season game. While the severity of the injury is still unknown, the team will likely take a cautious approach with their prized young player during the offseason to ensure he is fully recovered and ready for next season.

  • Flagg suffered the ankle injury in the Mavericks' season finale on April 12, 2026.

The players

Cooper Flagg

The Dallas Mavericks' No. 1 overall draft pick in 2025, who had a standout rookie season averaging 21.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.

Jason Kidd

The head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, who sent a message of encouragement to Cooper Flagg after his ankle injury.

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What they’re saying

“First thing would be rest,”

— Jason Kidd, Head Coach, Dallas Mavericks

The takeaway

Flagg's injury is a setback, but Kidd's supportive message shows the Mavericks' commitment to developing their young star and ensuring he has a full recovery to build on his impressive rookie season.