The Dallas Mavericks entered the 2025-26 season with expectations centered on development around No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. Instead, the year has turned into a challenging stretch, with Dallas holding a 24-52 record and sitting well outside the playoff picture.
Flagg, 19, has delivered strong individual numbers and remains in the Rookie of the Year conversation. But the team’s struggles, combined with injuries to key players like Kyrie Irving and the departure of Anthony Davis, have shaped a difficult environment for the rookie.
Speaking on “The Old Man and The Three” podcast, Flagg addressed the mental side of the losing season. “It’s definitely tough… there was times in the start of the year where it was taking a big toll on me… mentally,” he said. He added that the experience has required a shift in mindset, particularly after rarely losing in previous levels of basketball.
Cooper Flagg Reflects on Mental Adjustment to Losing
GettyDallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg
Flagg described the transition from winning environments in high school and college to a losing NBA season as one of the biggest adjustments of his career. “You got to learn how to lose,” he said. “And learn how to take positives away… and kind of get over it quicker than previous.”
He explained that the NBA’s game frequency leaves little time to process losses. “You might have another one tomorrow… you get one day, and you got another one the next day,” Flagg said, noting that the condensed schedule has forced him to move on faster than he was accustomed to.
The rookie also highlighted how the situation has affected those around him. “Family’s freaking out… my mom especially… she hadn’t been in or seen me lose that much before,” Flagg said.
That perspective reflects the contrast between his past and present. Flagg said he lost only four games during his college season, with multiple days between games to review film and make adjustments. In the NBA, that recovery time is limited.
Despite the challenges, Flagg said the experience has contributed to his development. “I’ve had growth along the way, and I’ve had to get better and learn on the fly,” he said in “The Pat McAfee Show”, describing the season as “mentally taxing” but also a learning opportunity.
Cooper Flagg Production, Dallas Mavericks Season Context
GettyDallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg
While the team record has struggled, Flagg’s individual performance has remained consistent. In 64 games, he is averaging 20.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, while contributing on defense across multiple categories.
His role has also expanded due to roster changes. With Irving unavailable and the team lacking stability at guard, Flagg has spent significant time handling playmaking duties, at times operating out of position.
The Mavericks’ season has been shaped by instability. Irving has not played this year due to a prior injury, while Davis appeared in just 20 games before being traded. The team has also undergone front-office changes and is evaluating its long-term direction.
Dallas has lost 26 of its last 31 games, reflecting both roster limitations and the broader reset underway. The organization has stated its intent to build around Flagg, making his development a central focus despite the results.
Flagg acknowledged that the season has not matched expectations. “Not having success that I would’ve hoped for… it’s obviously not been ideal,” he said. Still, he emphasized the value of the experience, noting that he hopes to look back on it as a period of growth.
The Mavericks will continue their season against the Orlando Magic on Friday, with Flagg expected to remain a focal point. As the team evaluates its roster and future leadership structure, his progression remains one of the few consistent positives.
For Flagg, the adjustment to losing has been one of the defining challenges of his rookie year. His comments reflect a broader reality for young players entering the league: development often comes alongside difficult team outcomes.
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The post “Family’s Freaking Out”: Cooper Flagg Gets Brutally Honest About Mental Toll of Mavericks’ Losing Season appeared first on Heavy Sports.