Cooper Flagg reveals the biggest challenge to start his NBA career

DALLAS— Dallas Mavericks newcomer Cooper Flagg has already established himself as a star in the NBA. however, Flagg was up to the challenge at the highest level of professional basketball. While speaking to reporters Tuesday after practice, Flagg discovered the biggest challenge so far in his NBA career.

“The biggest challenge, I think, I would honestly say just physically, just the amount of games we’ve played,” Flagg told reporters. “You know, you travel a lot more. … It’s just different. College, you know, you have so many days between games and you rest so much more. So I’d say that’s been the biggest challenge.”

Flagg is only 18 years old. He was in high school just a few years ago. After spending last year with Duke basketball, Flagg is now playing professionally in the NBA. It makes sense that adjusting the schedule was a challenge.

Still, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft has been successful, solidifying himself as a Rookie of the Year candidate.

How Cooper Flagg improved early in his NBA career

These were not all obstacles for Flagg. He also showed improvement at the NBA level, which he talked about on Tuesday.

“I think I’m just comfortable,” Flagg said of how his game has improved. “I think I’m just growing and learning the tempo and the speed of the game. Just getting comfortable being me out there, and kind of just picking defenses apart. And just knowing the game at a higher level.”

Mavs head coach Jason Kidd also commented on Flag’s improvement. Kidd, of course, gets to watch Flagg all the time in practice and games, so he’s been able to keep a close eye on the rookie’s development.

He also asked Jason Kidd about Cooper Flagg’s growth as an NBA player early in his career. https://t.co/ic9fTgNmji pic.twitter.com/UZHfciBS2v

— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) December 9, 2025

“I think I just understand back-to-backs, just a lot of basketball,” Kidd said of Flegg’s growth at the NBA level. “The understanding is a little different from college. Just his growth in being able to rebound if he doesn’t have a great game. Just understanding the minutes, the physicality, just soaking up whatever is in the moment… The more he sees, I think, the better he’ll be.”

Cooper Flag’s ceiling is extremely high. He has a legitimate shot at becoming a superstar.