Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg eyes versatile role, championship push
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The Dallas Mavericks opened training camp with top overall pick Cooper Flagg outlining both personal and team ambitions for the 2025/26 season. Speaking Monday at media day, the 18-year-old forward said his focus is on “impacting the game in a lot of ways” while staying true to the versatility that made him the No. 1 selection in June.
Flagg targets Rookie of the Year
After sweeping national player-of-the-year awards as a freshman at Duke, Flagg acknowledged he would like to add Rookie of the Year to his résumé. “If I stay true to myself and what got me here, the personal goals will work themselves out,” he said. Veteran guard Klay Thompson, now in his first full season with Dallas, called the newcomer “receptive to information” and predicted Flagg “can be as good as he wants to be.”
Davis focuses on health and title run
Anthony Davis, acquired in February’s blockbuster that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers, reiterated his championship intent. “Same as last year at my press conference: my goal hasn’t changed,” the 10-time All-Star said. The 32-year-old center is listed at 268 pounds to start camp—15 pounds heavier than last season—but noted he typically sheds 10–12 pounds during the year and is “feeling great.”
Washington commits to hometown franchise
Forward P.J. Washington, who signed a four-year, $89 million extension in September, expressed a desire to spend his entire career in Dallas. “It’s always been home for me,” the 25-year-old said. “Hopefully, I end my career here.”
Lively easing back after ankle surgery
Third-year center Dereck Lively II appeared in only 36 games last season and underwent offseason ankle surgery. The 21-year-old will begin the season on a minutes limit but is determined to become a reliable defensive anchor. “If it’s 24 minutes, 20 minutes—whatever the coaches need from me, I’ll give everything I have in that time,” he said.
The Mavericks had just a 1.8 percent chance to win May’s draft lottery, a moment Davis admitted he did not watch live. “He’s a hell of a talent,” Davis said of Flagg. “It was a great moment for us.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
