The hype surrounding Cooper Flagg’s entry into the 2025-26 NBA season was immense, but the reality of his rookie campaign with the Dallas Mavericks has been a harsh lesson in losing. On Friday night, the team suffered another blowout loss, this time to Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies in an NBA Cup game, extending their losing streak to four.
Amid heavy criticism of the league’s youngest player, one of the greatest forwards in NBA history and a Mavericks legend, Dirk Nowitzki, delivered a heartfelt message of encouragement.
Why Did a Mavericks Legend Step in to Defend Cooper Flagg?
Lauded as one of the best prospects of the century, many fans expected Flagg to vault the Mavericks back into the playoff picture immediately. While it is far too early to make any season-long judgments, Dallas currently looks closer to the top of the lottery than a spot in the postseason. Flagg’s traditional stats have been respectable for a rookie, as he is averaging 14.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.
However, nothing has come easy for the young forward, placing him at the center of criticism amid the Mavericks’ 2-7 start. This difficult beginning prompted Nowitzki to offer some much-needed public support for the 18-year-old.
“I know you have a tremendous work ethic,” said Nowitzki. “You work your way through it. You come in the next day. You’re the first one in the gym. You get shots up. Get with an assistant coach. Watch film… Keep on working my friend. Keep your head up and things will be okay.”
Dirk’s message for Cooper Flagg:
“You work your way through it. Losing or not you try to keep a positive attitude. Keep on working my friend, keep your head up and things will be okay” pic.twitter.com/PdWpgKieWq
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) November 8, 2025
This has clearly not been an easy stretch for Flagg. He admitted earlier in the week that this is the most he has ever lost in his basketball career. It is important to remember, however, that Flagg is still the youngest player in the NBA and is only nine games into his professional journey. Hearing support on a national stage from the greatest player in Mavericks history has to be encouraging. When a player of Nowitzki’s stature offers that kind of reassurance, it carries significant weight.
The team’s problems extend beyond the learning curve of its rookie. With Kyrie Irving sidelined due to injury, Dallas has been forced to experiment with subpar options at point guard. Both D’Angelo Russell and Ryan Nembhard have received minutes, and even Flagg, playing altogether out of position, has been tasked with running the offense for long stretches. The lack of a primary playmaker has created instability and contributed to the team’s struggles.
Next up, the Mavericks have a Saturday evening game in Washington, D.C., against the Wizards. This matchup presents a perfect opportunity for Flagg and the team to get back on track and end their losing streak.
