Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg faces challenges, remains hopeful in early NBA struggles
Cooper Flagg, the promising rookie for the Dallas Mavericks, is finding his footing in the NBA, albeit not in the way he envisioned. With a record of 5-14 to kick off the season, Flagg has already experienced ten more losses than he did during his single season at Duke. Recently, Flagg shared his thoughts with a reporter about navigating the difficulties of the early season and maintaining a positive outlook.
Staying Close to Family and Friends
“I’m just trying to keep my people close to me, my family, obviously,” Flagg expressed. His focus on maintaining connections during this challenging time speaks volumes about his mindset. He emphasized the importance of optimism, recognizing the long journey ahead. “We’ve had a lot of guys step up, deal with a lot of injuries. And there’s been a lot of positive that we’ve been able to take from some of these games as well. So, I think that’s something, just being optimistic, knowing we have a lot of games going forward and just sticking with it and being positive.”
A Team in Transition
The Mavericks are grappling with their own set of challenges this season, which can weigh heavily on a rookie’s mental resilience. However, head coach Jason Kidd believes these tough experiences will ultimately benefit Flagg and the team. “I think for himself and for the team, to go through this tough time of losing close games is only going to make us better as we go forward,” Kidd noted. He highlighted how Flagg’s exposure to various game scenarios will be invaluable for his development.
A Humbling Experience
Entering the NBA, Flagg was not accustomed to frequent losses, making this rough start a humbling initiation into professional basketball. The rookie is learning that in the NBA, every player is exceptional, and team dynamics are emphasized more than ever. The Mavs’ struggles can largely be attributed to injuries and the need for players to gel, rather than a lack of talent. This realization may serve as a source of encouragement for Flagg and his teammates as they move forward.
As Flagg continues to adapt to the rigors of the NBA, the hope remains that his perseverance and positive attitude will not only aid his own growth but also contribute to the Mavericks finding their rhythm as the season progresses.
