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 as the only rookies since the merger to have back-to-back 40-point games. He grew increasingly comfortable as the season progressed, culminating in a tremendous finish.
"I would say I grew in a lot of different areas, but I would say just being comfortable and confident is a big thing for me," Flagg said. "I think at times throughout the start of the season, I was hesitant and wasn't aggressive and certain things like that. I just think getting more and more comfortable out there, trusting my instincts and myself, led to me having a lot more success out there."
Kidd challenged Flagg from the beginning of the season by putting the ball in his hands in order to grow his overall skill set as an initiator and playmaker. The move helped establish Flagg as a team leader on and off the court, already in his first year.
The Maine native earned praise throughout the season from his teammates and coaches for his work ethic and demeanor. While Flagg often credited his teammates for helping him along the way, it was clear that he had a positive impact on the group.
The Mavericks will likely look a bit different on opening night next season than they did when they last played on April 12, with additions and players returning from injury, and Flagg is ready to help the team compete. That work begins this summer in the gym.
"I'm going to work on a lot of different things," Flagg said. "There is always room for improvement in every area of the game. I think there is a ton of growth that I can make offensively, off the dribble and making reads at a high level. I'm excited to just get in the gym, especially with some of the guys, and continue to learn and grow in a lot of different areas."
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Mavericks news: Cooper Flagg reveals training focus after rookie year