Cooper Flagg Injury Update, Jason Kidd Talks Mavs Star's Timeline Amid Foot Sprain
Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to a foot injury, head coach Jason Kidd told reporters Thursday.
Flagg will be considered day-to-day moving forward, Kidd said.
The 2025 No. 1 overall pick was slated to compete in the NBA's Rising Stars event as part of All-Star Weekend. However, the Mavs announced he was dealing with a left midfoot sprain that would sideline him through the All-Star break.
Flagg's usage by Kidd has been a talking point this season. Otherwise, the 6'9" forward has lived up to his sky-high expectations so far. He's averaging 20.4 points on 48.2 percent shooting along with 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
Flagg also set an NBA record in Dallas' 123-121 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Jan. 29. His 49 points were the most ever by a teenager in the league.
Given how much he means to their future, the Mavs are going to be cautious about anything related to Flagg's health. By trading Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards, the organization fully embraced a rebuild as well.
Any experience the 19-year-old can gain is beneficial for his wider development. But there isn't a compelling need to push him beyond his limits physically when the team isn't really trying to win games.
Granted, Flagg won't want to miss too many games and lose eligibility for Rookie of the Year. Getting to 65 appearances is a firm benchmark he and Dallas will desire to hit.
