Cooper Flagg Through Five NBA Games: Checking Up On The Maine Product
Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has hit the ground running with the Mavs through his first five NBA games. The 18-year-old from Newport, Maine—the state’s most celebrated hoops export—is averaging 32.2 minutes nightly for Dallas, delivering double-digit scoring and versatile contributions. While the Mavs sit at 2-3, Flagg’s debut stretch reveals a soon-to-be star.
Flagg has embraced small forward and point-forward duties under Mavs head coach coach Jason Kidd.
Flagg’s per-game averages: 13.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks—on perfect 100 percent free-throw shooting (13-for-13).
Standouts games:
Oct. 29 vs. Indiana: 15 points, 10 boards, 4 assists
Oct. 26 vs. Toronto (win): Career-high 22 points (8-for-14 FG), 4 boards, 4 dimes—including a viral poster dunk (see below)
Oct. 24 vs. Washington: 18 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds.
Flagg is already playing well beyond his years. He crashes boards like a veteran, facilitates intelligently, and flashes elite defense and rebounding for his position.
Flagg’s shooting percentages are low (41 percent overall, 26.7 percent from three), which reflects an adjustment period to the NBA. A banged-up left shoulder hampered him to two points on 1-for-9 vs. the Thunder, but he gutted through 31 minutes, showing toughness.
NBA coaches are already praising Flagg. Kidd has likened him to Dirk Nowitzki. Indiana’s Rick Carlisle raved: “Versatile … dynamic … quick decisions.”
With Dallas dealing with injuries (Kyrie Irving remains out as he rehabs an ACL), Flagg has been thrust into a key role for the Mavs, and it’s important to keep in mind that he doesn’t turn 19 years old until December.
There’s no stage too big for Flagg, and it’s exciting to think about how high is ceiling actually is, as he might be still a decade away from his prime.