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Cooper Flagg Calls Rookie Season 'Mentally Taxing' With Mavericks 24–52

The No. 1 pick says an injury-ravaged roster forced an abrupt jump into lead-creator duties.

Overview

  • On The Pat McAfee Show, Cooper Flagg said his first NBA season has been "really mentally taxing."
  • He described a lonely off-court shift, living on his own in a new city with little time around teammates.
  • Dallas sits 24-52 after injuries reshaped the roster, with Kyrie Irving out all season and Anthony Davis traded to Washington after 20 games.
  • Flagg said Jason Kidd pushed him into a larger creator role, including point guard reps that sped up his learning.
  • Despite the context, he has averaged 20.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 64 games and remains in the Rookie of the Year conversation.