Cooper Flagg’s first two months in the league have offered a wide-ranging look at how the Dallas forward has handled an immediate workload, and his longtime trainer Matt MacKenzie believes the rookie’s development is only just beginning.
Flagg is averaging 17.3 points on 47.5% shooting along with 6.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists for a Mavericks team entering Friday’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets at 9-16.
MacKenzie told EssentiallySports’ Mark Medina that Flagg has made steady progress in reading NBA defenses and adjusting his approach.
“He has done a great job with progressing game by game,” MacKenzie said. “Now that he’s just over a quarter of the way into the season, you’re really seeing him start to settle into a role and start to become more assertive on the offensive end.”
Flagg has taken on more scoring responsibility as the roster continues dealing with injuries and rotation changes. MacKenzie said those early adjustments required patience from both Flagg and the staff.
“He’s doing a good job with getting to his spots and being more decisive with the basketball,” MacKenzie said. “He has more of a scorer’s mentality. Right now, that’s what his team really needs.”
A key turning point, according to MacKenzie, came when Flagg embraced guidance from the Mavericks’ coaching staff. After conversations following the Lakers game, Flagg began attacking more frequently and looking for his shot early.
“It’s okay to get more than 16 or 17 shots in a game,” MacKenzie said. “He’s kind of setting the tempo for the rest of the game.”
That mindset has produced results during Dallas’ recent stretch, including a 35-point performance against the Clippers and a 24-point outing in Denver.
The Mavericks also asked Flagg to handle extended playmaking duties earlier in the season, a move that drew mixed public reactions. MacKenzie viewed it as beneficial.
“I know there was criticism about him playing in that role,” MacKenzie said. “But from a developmental standpoint, it was actually really good for him just because he had to have the ball in his hands. Now when you see him with the ball, there is a sense of comfort.”
Flagg has needed to navigate the off-court turbulence of a franchise that fired general manager Nico Harrison after crowd backlash intensified. MacKenzie emphasized that Flagg focused on what he could control.
“It absolutely burns his insides to lose games,” MacKenzie said. “With every game, it was a reflection. How can he be better? How can he help his teammates be better?”
The rookie’s commitment has extended to his recovery routine, where he has become more structured with sleep, hydration, film study, and weight-room maintenance.
“When the final buzzer goes off after one game, he’s immediately preparing for the next,” MacKenzie said. “He’s doing a good job with treating his body like a professional.”
MacKenzie believes Flagg’s best basketball as a rookie is still ahead.
“He’ll continue to get better,” MacKenzie said. “You’re going to see a more polished version of Cooper Flagg about midway through the season.”
