Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg suffered a foot sprain that caused him to miss the recent game against the Los Angeles Lakers as well as the Rising Stars Challenge. The injury occurred on February 7 during the matchup with the Phoenix Suns, with an MRI confirming the extent of the sprain shortly afterward.
While the injury initially raised concerns, information from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon indicates the issue is not expected to be long-lasting. The No. 1 overall draft pick is
expected back immediately after the All-Star break.
Images surfaced of Flagg wearing a walking boot at Duke’s recent game against Clemson, prompting questions about the timeline for his return. However, reports from Marc Stein of The Stein Line and league sources provide a more reassuring update. Stein reported that Dallas is relieved by the MRI findings, which revealed only a left midfoot sprain and no more severe damage.
Cooper Flagg was indeed spotted with a boot on his left foot Saturday at Duke’s home game against Clemson, but league sources tell The Stein Line that Dallas feels fortunate that last week’s MRI results on Flagg only revealed a left midfoot sprain,
Stein stated.
It is still not known precisely how long the 19-year-old will be sidelined, but the Mavericks appear relieved that the injury was not more serious.
Expect Flagg to Rejoin Mavericks Soon After Break
Cooper Flagg is a key bright spot amid a challenging season for the Mavericks, and news of his impending return offers some optimism for the team. The former Duke star set an NBA record for the most points scored by a teenager in a single game with 49 points on January 29, demonstrating his immense talent and potential.
In that record-setting performance, Flagg made 20 of 29 shots, including a crucial three-pointer that tied the game late in regulation. His scoring feats place him alongside elite company; he joins LeBron James and Anthony Edwards as the only teenagers with multiple 40-point games in a single NBA season.
Flagg also recorded 151 points across four games against Charlotte, Houston, Boston, and San Antonio—making him the first rookie since Allen Iverson in 1997 to reach that mark over four consecutive contests. Beyond his scoring ability, Flagg has exhibited leadership that could signal the beginning of a new era for Dallas.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd praised Flagg’s approach in January:
[Flagg] is not about numbers, he’s about wins and losses,
Kidd said.
That’s who he is. He competes to win. People who take stats, he’s not worried about… He’s going to be a champion sooner than later.
Mavericks Shift Focus to Cooper Flagg Amid Team Changes
The Mavericks’ prospects of making the playoffs this season have all but faded, currently sitting 12th in the Western Conference standings. The recent trade of All-Star center Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards signaled a major roster reshuffle for Dallas, complicating their immediate outlook.
In the trade, Dallas sent Davis, along with D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy, and Dante Exum, to Washington. In return, the Mavericks acquired Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, a 2026 first-round pick via OKC, a 2030 first-round pick via Golden State, and three second-round draft selections.
With Anthony Davis no longer on the roster, rookie Cooper Flagg is expected to step into a leading role as the franchise’s top option. This transition marks the beginning of Dallas reshaping its core around the young star’s potential and leadership, eyeing him to guide the team forward.
