Dallas Rookie Cooper Flagg Cleared to Return After Eight-Game Absence
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The Dallas Mavericks have received medical clearance for rookie forward Cooper Flagg, ending an eight-game layoff caused by a left midfoot sprain, according to sources.
Flagg, 19, plans to suit up for Thursday night’s road matchup with the Orlando Magic. The team officially lists him as questionable, but no minutes restriction has been announced.
The Mavericks are also weighing whether the No. 1 overall pick can participate in both contests of this week’s back-to-back, which concludes Friday in Boston. Returning to TD Garden would be notable for Flagg, who grew up in Newport, Maine, cheering for the Celtics.
Flagg sustained the injury on Feb. 10 during a loss to the Phoenix Suns, forcing him to miss the Rising Stars game at All-Star Weekend. Before the setback, he appeared in 49 games and averaged 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists. Since the ABA-NBA merger, only Luka Doncic, Michael Jordan and Larry Bird have posted comparable rookie numbers.
Recent betting lines now favor Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, Flagg’s former Duke roommate, for Rookie of the Year honors. Knueppel is averaging 19.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists while setting a rookie record for made three-pointers on 43.6% shooting from beyond the arc.
Source: ESPN
