Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg offered a measured response when asked about potentially participating in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend next month. While answering the question, Flagg left the door open but stopped short of making a commitment.
Cooper Flagg Hesitant to Participate in Slam Dunk Contest
Mavericks beat writer Mike Curtis posted Flagg’s comments on X on Thursday after asking the No. 1 overall pick whether he would consider entering the contest.
“See, I don’t know if I can really compete,” Flagg said. “I’m more of an in-game dunker so never say never, but I don’t know if I can really compete.”
The answer reflected both confidence and restraint from the 19-year-old forward, who has become one of the league’s most talked-about young players during his rookie season in Dallas.
Flagg was also asked, jokingly, about the possibility of entering the 3-point contest. His response drew laughs while underscoring his team-first mentality.
“I don’t know about that either,” Flagg said. “I think we got some better candidates on our team.”
The remarks suggest Flagg views All-Star Weekend events as skills best left to specialists, at least for now, even as fans and observers continue to push for star participation in showcase competitions.
The NBA All-Star 2025 festivities will take place in the San Francisco Bay Area from Feb. 14 to 16, with events scheduled throughout the weekend.
The league has not yet announced participants for the Slam Dunk Contest, which has traditionally been one of the marquee attractions of All-Star Weekend.
Flagg Could Shine in the Slam Dunk Contest
Despite his hesitancy, Flagg has already provided ample evidence of his ability to electrify a crowd. He possesses the size and explosiveness required to deliver highlight-reel finishes.
One of the most memorable moments of Flagg’s young career came during a game against the Houston Rockets on Dec. 7.
In the fourth quarter, with the Mavericks leading 120-107, guard Brandon Williams fired a short pass from near half court. Flagg caught the ball in stride, accelerated from beyond the 3-point line, and rose forcefully at the rim for a thunderous dunk that sent the American Airlines Center into a frenzy.
The play reinforced the idea that Flagg’s best dunks often emerge organically within the flow of the game, rather than from scripted attempts designed for competition.
That distinction has fueled debate about whether players like Flagg should bring their in-game creativity to the contest stage.
Former NBA star Tracy McGrady recently addressed that issue while speaking about the reluctance of younger players to enter the event.
“What’s up with all you young guys, man? It’s just dunking,” McGrady said. “You all do it every day. You don’t want to perform in front of 20,000 people? Celebrities in there? The energy in the building is crazy, and all the attention is on you. You’re afraid of that?”
McGrady’s comments reflect a broader push from former stars who believe elite young talents such as Flagg could help restore excitement to the contest by embracing the spotlight.
