Mavs' Cooper Flagg reveals offseason training goals after rookie year

Cooper Flagg revealed on Wednesday that he is eager to get into the gym and improve his overall skill set to help the Dallas Mavericks take a step forward on the court.

Flagg on Monday was named the 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year after a historic campaign, narrowly edging out former Duke teammate and friend Kon Knueppel. He became the third player in franchise history to win, joining Luka Dončić and coach Jason Kidd.

The No. 1 overall pick arrived in Dallas, touted as a possible generational prospect who could help transform the organization after the shocking trade of Dončić. From Day 1, Flagg heard all of the hype, but he managed to block it out and stay even-keeled throughout the season.

"People always talk about expectations and things like that, but for me, it has always been about living up to my own standard, the people around me and those standards," Flagg said before accepting the Wilt Chamberlain Trophy at a press conference at the American Airlines Center. "I know if I just live up to who I am and who I am every single day, the rest of that stuff will figure itself out."

Flagg averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 46.8% from the field in 70 appearances. He led the rookie class in scoring average and had the most 30-point games (11) by a first-year player since Victor Wembanyama in the 2023-24 season.

The 6-foot-8-forward joined Michael Jordan as the only rookies in history to lead their team in total points, rebounds, assists and steals since steals were first recorded in 1973-74. He is the second-youngest player to win the award (19 years, 127 days).

Flagg dropped his first 50-point game on April 3 and then followed with a 45-point outing, joining Allen Iverson  since the merger to have back-to-back 40-point games. He grew increasingly comfortable as the season progressed, culminating in a tremendous finish.