Cooper Flagg to Lead Mavericks Into New Season
The Dallas forward enters his second campaign after a rigorous offseason strength and conditioning program.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball
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Cooper Flagg prepares to anchor the Dallas Mavericks in their October 21, 2026, season opener in Houston. The forward aims to leverage a revamped physique following a productive 2026 offseason.
Why it matters
The Mavericks are building their offensive identity around Flagg's growth, focusing on his ability to absorb contact and create space. His improved physical profile is intended to translate into greater decisiveness on the court.
Flagg currently stands 6-10 and weighs 228 pounds, marking a 23-pound gain over the offseason. Last season, he averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 block per game.
The players
Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg is a professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks who earned Rookie of the Year honors during the 2025-26 season.
Dusty May
Dusty May is the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks tasked with building a contender around the team's core roster.
The details
Flagg utilized film study and data analysis alongside a dedicated trainer to refine his game. His routine included strength training, yoga for flexibility, and consistent 9 a.m. workouts to ensure he is prepared for the demands of the upcoming season.
Timeline
Flagg was named the Rookie of the Year during the 2025-26 season.
The Mavericks convened for a minicamp in Los Angeles in September 2026.
The Mavericks begin their second season in Houston on October 21, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This transition positions Flagg to elevate his individual play while Dusty May works to integrate roster changes following the departure of Ryan Nembhard. The team aims to utilize this revamped core to improve upon their standing in a competitive league landscape.
Flagg’s increased weight and focus on contact absorption suggest a more interior-oriented offensive approach for fantasy managers to monitor. His ability to maintain his playmaking averages while handling a higher physical load will be the primary factor in Dallas's rotation decisions.
The takeaway
Flagg is prioritizing physical durability and balance to better withstand the rigors of an 82-game schedule. His commitment to structured, data-driven training reflects a professional evolution aimed at sustaining high-level performance.
Further reading
For more on the team, visit the Dallas Basketball page.
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Should a professional sports team build its future success around a single young star player?
