Cooper Flagg Says Mavs Teammates 'Definitely Try' to Treat Him Like a Rookie Still, Kyrie Hypes Star

Entering his second season in the NBA, reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg is still being treated like a first-year pro by his veteran Dallas Mavericks teammates.

Flagg told ESPN's Brian Windhorst that he was still tasked with "various menial duties," such as carrying bags, during the team's preseason trip to China. After all, the 2025 No. 1 overall pick is still technically a rookie until his sophomore season officially begins later this month.

"I can sometimes sneak by without them remembering that they want me to be a rookie still. But yeah, they definitely try," Flagg said.

Despite the good-natured ribbing from his older teammates, Flagg appears ready to ascend even further in his second year in the league. In two preseason games against the Houston Rockets, the 19-year-old recorded 33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals and two blocks across 45 minutes of action.

"He's going to lead this franchise into the future. You can definitely bank on that," Mavs star point guard Kyrie Irving said. "He deserves a lot of the praise he's gotten because he's carried a lot. … He's wise beyond his years."

Flagg is the new face of a franchise that is still rebuilding after trading star point guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025. The youngster said that he's prepared to step up as a leader this year as the Mavs try to keep pace in the competitive Western Conference.

"I'm just finding my voice," Flagg said. "Being so young and a little bit inexperienced is tough sometimes, but I think up to this point, I've earned the respect of my teammates, and I've gotten that sense that they really respect me and my opinion."

Flagg and the Mavs will open the 2026-27 season on Oct. 21 against the Rockets.