Cooper Flagg is not the same player who entered the league last year. The Dallas Mavericks forward added 23 pounds to his frame over the summer. He also grew an inch, reaching 6-10 when not wearing shoes. This physical shift marks a huge change for a player who led the team in points, rebounds, assists, and steals during his first season.
The 19-year-old is moving into a new era in Dallas. Last year, he was a rookie fitting in with veterans like Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and Anthony Davis. Now, the team revolves around him. He even moved into the historic locker at American Airlines Center that once belonged to Dirk Nowitzki, Luka Doncic, and Davis.
A Physical Transformation in the Weight Room
The offseason focus was clearly on strength. Flagg entered the NBA at 205 pounds, but he has since bulked up to 228 pounds. This change was not an accident. Geoff Puls led the Mavericks’ strength and conditioning staff, which the Dallas News says helped drive this growth.
Flagg believes the extra muscle helps his overall game. “It just helps me be well-rounded,” Flagg said. He also noted that adding weight helps him find better positions on the court. “Adding on strength obviously can help create space and get to spots. I don’t think there’s any areas where adding strength can hurt you so I’m excited,” Flagg said.
His trainer, Matt MacKenzie, noticed the change during the team’s minicamp in Los Angeles last month. MacKenzie said he saw the player wearing a cutoff tank top for the first time. He noted that Flagg’s shoulders are noticeably stronger now. The trainer believes this new strength will help the forward absorb contact and maintain balance.
Expectations for a More Decisive Offense
While Flagg’s stats were already elite, his skill set is expected to evolve. During his rookie year, he played 70 games and averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and nearly 1.0 block. He was the first rookie to lead his team in those four major categories since Michael Jordan.
Despite those numbers, his training staff thinks he has more to give. MacKenzie told The Dallas Morning News, “I just think you’re going to see a more confident, more decisive version of Cooper on the offensive end.” This suggests the Mavericks can expect a much more aggressive player when the season starts in Houston this Wednesday.
Flagg seems ready for this increased responsibility. He has been working on various aspects of his game while trying to stay focused. “I’ve been working on a lot of different things, but just keeping it simple at the same time,” Flagg said. He added, “I just have a lot of confidence right now in everything.”
The Changing Mavericks Roster
The team’s depth is also shifting heading into the new season. The Mavericks are also looking toward Morez Johnson Jr., the ninth overall pick. According to Mavs Moneyball, Johnson will likely see significant minutes because Dereck Lively II and Santi Aldama are both out at the start of the season.
Lively’s absence is a concern for the frontcourt. Yahoo Sports reported that the Mavericks chose not to give Lively a rookie extension. He will play the final year of his deal, which is worth about $7.24 million. Lively has struggled with health, playing only 36 games in 2024-25 and just 7 games last season due to right foot surgery.