Heading into the February 27 matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd briefly addressed the status of the rookie phenom, Cooper Flagg.
When asked if there was a possibility of Flagg returning for the Mavericks’ Tuesday, March 3, matchup against the Charlotte Hornets, Kidd was straightforward.
“Probably not,” he told reporters.
When asked for further clarification, Kidd doubled down.
“Probably not that he will play. That’s what it is.”
What’s The Latest On Cooper Flagg?
GettyCooper Flagg isn’t expected to return to the court early next week, based on Jason Kidd’s recent update.
During the Mavericks’ February 10 game against the Phoenix Suns, Flagg suffered a midfoot sprain. Right before the All-Star break, Flagg was ruled out of the NBA’s Rising Stars Game.
He hasn’t been on the court since he clocked in for 35 minutes in a 120-111 loss against the Suns.
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By missing the Friday night matchup against the Grizzlies, Flagg missed his sixth game in a row. Although Kidd seems sure that Flagg will miss at least the next two games (the Mavericks face the Oklahoma City Thunder before Charlotte), the Mavericks haven’t revealed an official timeline for the star rookie’s return.
The Mavericks Are In A Tough Spot
GettyCooper Flagg’s injury timeline hasn’t been revealed by the Dallas Mavericks as the season reaches the final stretch.
The NBA world expected the Mavericks to be in a different position by now.
Being the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg was expected to have a day-one role for the Mavericks. The team hoped that a healthy Anthony Davis and, eventually, Kyrie Irving would help propel the Mavs into the Western Conference’s postseason conversation.
Instead, the situation took an unexpected turn. Davis was traded to the Washington Wizards ahead of the deadline in early February.
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Irving hasn’t suffered a setback, but chose to put his return on hold, effectively ending his 2025-2026 season before it started. Flagg didn’t get shut down, but an injury must have them wondering about what to do.
There’s no sense in putting Flagg at risk in the long-term. The Mavericks are 21-37 on the year, trailing six games behind the Los Angeles Clippers, who possess the final Play-In position.
Barring an unexpected turnaround, the Mavericks aren’t expected to be in postseason contention. That doesn’t mean they’ll shut down Flagg for the final stretch, but it could spark a conversation. For the time being, the Mavs are rolling with the rookie on a day-to-day basis.
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The Mavericks will return to the court on Sunday, March 1, to face the Oklahoma City Thunder. Knowing that Flagg is unlikely to be ready by March 3 against Charlotte, the March 5 matchup against the Orlando Magic becomes the next game to keep an eye on as Flagg’s situation gets sorted.
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