Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks have suffered a difficult season, even though the Newport rookie had a Rookie of the Year campaign. And that loss has reportedly taken a mental toll on him and his family. The Mavs have seemingly decided to build around the youngster and took some major steps mid-season.
While featuring on The Old Man and Three podcast, Flagg was candid about his feelings after a struggling season. He said:
“It’s definitely tough, like there was times in the start of the year where it was taking a big toll on me not personally but mentally. I don’t want to talk for anybody else, but like it’s definitely tough. Family’s freaking out like my mom especially like she hadn’t been in or see me lose that much before so she’s worried about me and then it’s just like you’re trying to move on each night but it’s tough.”
The National Freshman of the Year detailed his learnings from the season and admitted that he has learned how to lose. He added:
“I mean, we lost four games last year in college and every time we lost, we had four or five days in between to go through all the film, you know, you start working on drills from the game, like different things that you have to work on. So, it’s just definitely a different feeling and you got to learn how to lose. For sure.”
Flagg averages 20.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists this season and has led the franchise in scoring. Moreover, he has played on both sides of the court, averaging 1.2 steals per game. P.J. Washington has also provided sufficient help on the board, leading the team in rebounds (7.1).
“We’ve planted our Flagg,” Jason Kidd about Cooper Flagg’s future with Mavericks
After the Mavericks lost their last game against the Milwaukee Bucks, head coach Jason Kidd answered questions about his statement of moving on with whatever this season has thrown their way. Talking to the media, Kidd said:
“We’ve planted our Flagg and that’s Cooper Flagg. And we have the opportunity to build around him.”
Kidd has clarified the team management’s stance on Cooper Flagg, stating that the franchise would look to build around Flagg. Kyrie Irving will also be back after missing the entire season due to injury. Losing games even when the rookie was giving his best on the offense can be difficult, and he would look to improve the team’s condition after they acquire some key pieces in the offseason.
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