Would Cooper Flagg ever compete in NBA slam dunk, 3-point contests?

Dallas Mavericks rookie star Cooper Flagg made up his mind about participating in the NBA dunk contest or 3-point contest very clearly.

Flagg is halfway through his first NBA season, making significant strides as the Mavericks’ top pick in the 2025 draft. He has impressed with his high-level scoring ability, especially his tendency to attack the rim with thunderous dunks.

Ahead of the team’s upcoming matchup, reporter Mike Curtis asked Flagg about his interest in participating in a dunk contest during All-Star Week. It was there that the novice wing revealed its position on the subject.

“Look, I don’t know if I can really compete. I’m more of a dunker in the game, so never say never, but I don’t know if I can really compete,” Flagg said.

“He was jokingly asked about the 3-point contest: ‘I don’t know about that either. I think we have some better candidates on our team,'” Curtis wrote.

He asked Cooper Flagg if he would consider participating in the dunk contest during NBA All-Star Weekend next month:

“Look, I don’t know if I can really compete. I’m more of a dunker in the game, so never say never, but I don’t know if I can really compete.”

They jokingly asked him about… pic.twitter.com/fk3b8Cgu6J

— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) January 8, 2026

What’s next for Cooper Flagg, Mavericks

Cooper Flagg is well aware of his strengths and weaknesses, knowing he can impress many with his dunks while calling for his inconsistent shooting from beyond the arc.

After a slow start, Flagg has gained significant momentum as one of the top rookies this season. In 36 appearances, he is averaging 18.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He is shooting 47.8% from the field, including 27.6% from downtown and 81.5% from the free throw line.

Dallas is 14-23 on the season, holding onto 11th place in the Western Conference standings. They are 0.5 games above the Los Angeles Clippers and 1.5 games above the Utah Jazz, while trailing the Memphis Grizzlies by two games and the Portland Trail Blazers by 3.5 games.

The Mavericks will prepare for their upcoming road game against the Jazz on January 8th at 9:00 PM ET. After that, they will play the Chicago Bulls on January 10th at 8pm ET.