By: NBA Buzz Date: February 14, 2026
If there is one player who has completely captivated the NBA this season, it’s Dallas Mavericks rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. From record-breaking scoring nights to drawing comparisons to all-time greats, Flagg has been the ultimate bright spot in Dallas.
But as the basketball world descends on Los Angeles for the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend, the most exciting rookie in the league is conspicuously absent from the festivities.
Here is everything you need to know about Flagg’s phenomenal rookie campaign, his overwhelming Rookie of the Year odds, and the injury that kept him out of the Rising Stars game.
The Overwhelming Rookie of the Year Favorite 🏆
Let’s not mince words: the Rookie of the Year race is Cooper Flagg’s to lose.
Analysts and fans are already putting Flagg’s start in the NBA into a much larger context. Recent breakdowns by local Dallas media, including WFAA, have even started comparing Flagg’s rookie statistics side-by-side with LeBron James’s legendary 2003-2004 rookie season. When your name is being mentioned in the same breath as a rookie LeBron, you are doing something right.
The 19-year-old phenom out of Duke is currently averaging a staggering 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. His defining moment thus far came on January 29th, when he erupted for an NBA teenager record 49 points, proving that he isn’t just a future star—he’s a superstar right now.
Why Isn’t Flagg Playing in the Rising Stars Game? 🚑
With those kinds of numbers, Flagg was guaranteed to be the main attraction at Friday night’s NBA Rising Stars Game. Unfortunately, a poorly timed injury derailed those plans.
Flagg is officially sidelined due to a left midfoot sprain.
The injury occurred this past Tuesday during a hard-fought matchup against the Phoenix Suns. In classic Flagg fashion, he played through the pain, logging 36 minutes and dropping 27 points before an MRI on Wednesday confirmed the sprain. Because of the diagnosis, the Mavericks officially ruled him out for Thursday’s final pre-break game against the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as all All-Star Weekend activities.
What It Means for Dallas 📉
To say the Mavericks are missing their young cornerstone is an understatement. Without him against the Lakers, the Mavs dropped another game, pushing their current losing streak to nine games as they limp into the All-Star break.
The franchise has been reeling, and Flagg has essentially been the glue holding the team’s competitive spirit together.
When Will He Return? ⏳
The good news for Mavericks fans is that the injury isn’t expected to be a long-term issue. Dallas is hopeful that the extra rest during All-Star Weekend will be enough time for his foot to heal. The No. 1 overall pick is targeting a return to the court on Friday, February 20th, when the Mavericks travel to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
While it is a massive disappointment that fans won’t get to see Flagg light up the Intuit Dome this weekend alongside the rest of the league’s rising talent, his long-term health is the priority.
Rest up, rook. The Rookie of the Year trophy is waiting.
