The 2025-26 NBA season was supposed to be a championship crusade for the Dallas Mavericks. Instead, it nearly spiraled into a nightmare. Yet, amidst a wreckage of injuries, front-office firings, and a record sitting eight games under .500, one beacon of hope has kept the franchise from hitting rock bottom: Cooper Flagg.
According to a new midseason report from Sports Illustrated, Flagg is the single factor “preventing the Mavericks from having a failing season.” While ESPN graded the team’s first half performance a dismal “D,” analysts note that Flagg’s rapid ascension has shifted the narrative from a wasted year to the beginning of a new era.
The context of the struggle is stark. The Mavericks went “all-in” by acquiring Anthony Davis to pair with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, but the plan disintegrated due to health issues. Dereck Lively II underwent season-ending foot surgery early in the campaign, and Davis has been sidelined for at least six weeks after managing just 20 games. To make matters worse, General Manager Nico Harrison was fired in November, leaving the organization in administrative flux.
In the vacuum of veteran leadership, Flagg has flourished.
Thrust into an uncomfortable role early in the season including starting at point guard while Kyrie Irving was injured—the No. 1 overall pick adapted faster than anyone anticipated. Flagg is currently leading the Rookie of the Year race, averaging 18.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His versatility has been the catalyst for the Mavericks’ recent three-game winning streak, which included a dominant showing against the New York Knicks.
“The Mavs are slowly beginning to realize that building around Flagg is the way to go,” the report states. “While having Davis on the roster is a plus, it is very clear that the future is now with Flagg as the franchise cornerstone.”
This realization marks a pivot for Dallas. The “failing” grade stems from their preseason championship expectations compared to their current lottery standing. However, Flagg’s brilliance has provided a safety net. He has proven to be not just a complementary piece, but a legitimate alpha who can shoulder the load when the superstars are down.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Mavericks face a unique dilemma: do they sell off veterans to clear the runway for Flagg, or do they try to patch the roster for a late play-in push? Regardless of the decision, the verdict on the season has already changed. It is no longer about the failure of the Anthony Davis experiment; it is about the successful arrival of Cooper Flagg.
