Dallas Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg Injured
The Dallas Mavericks will be without their promising rookie, Cooper Flagg, as they face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. This decision comes after Flagg sustained a left midfoot sprain, which also prevented him from participating in the Rising Stars event during the All-Star weekend.
Coach’s Update on Flagg’s Status
Coach Jason Kidd provided updates on the rookie’s status on Thursday, indicating that Flagg is currently day-to-day regarding his recovery.
Impact of the Injury
Prior to the All-Star break, Flagg was already sidelined for the Mavericks’ final matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers due to this injury, which occurred during a game against the Phoenix Suns on February 10. The MRI results confirmed the sprain, marking the ninth consecutive loss for the Mavericks, a streak that is the team’s worst since 1998.
Flagg’s Performance and Future
At just 19 years old, Flagg, who was the top pick in the recent draft, has made an impressive start to his professional career, averaging 20.4 points and 6.6 assists per game. However, this will be the sixth game he has missed since joining the team, with his first absence back in November attributed to an illness.
Speculation on Recovery
Despite taking time off, Flagg was spotted at two Duke University games over the break, including an outing where he wore a walking boot as Duke triumphed over Clemson. Yet, in a recent social media post, he appeared without the boot, leading to speculation about his ongoing recovery as he prepares for the Mavericks’ upcoming trip.
Mavericks’ Playoff Hopes
With their playoff hopes deteriorating, Dallas (19-35) is heading for another return to the draft lottery this year, much like they did last season. Interestingly, the Mavericks had a mere 1.8% chance of obtaining the rights to Flagg last summer, making his acquisition a significant boon for the franchise, despite the current struggles.
