Cold hard truth Mavericks fans must realize about Cooper Flagg

The Dallas Mavericks finally have their future. After months of it feeling like the organization was lost at sea, the arrival of Cooper Flagg ushers in a new era. Flagg has the rare mix of defensive instincts, competitive edge, and high-level feel for the game that scouts salivate over. In time, there is a real chance he will become one of the NBA’s most complete forwards. However, Dallas has to stay patient.

Mavs fans must be willing to accept the reality that even the most talented rookies in league history often do not impact winning right away, and that includes players with generational upside. Just ask the San Antonio Spurs. Victor Wembanyama had one of the best rookie seasons we've seen in a while in 2023-24, and San Antonio still did not sniff the playoffs.

That didn't happen because Wemby was not ready, but simply because he was still learning and finding consistency against the best competition in the world. The same will be true for Cooper Flagg in Dallas.

That does not mean Flagg will not have moments that leave jaws on the floor, we know that he will. But Dallas cannot build its entire 2025-26 season around the idea that Flagg is already going to carry the team. That is simply not realistic. There will be growing pains, missed assignments, shooting slumps, and stretches where he looks like a teenager playing against grown men. Because that's just the reality.

The Mavericks have to play the long game with Cooper Flagg

The best approach for the Mavericks with this situation is to prioritize development. Flagg will need the freedom to make mistakes, and the coaching staff will need the patience to let him play through the ups and downs he'll go through. That might mean sacrificing some wins early on, but it's all part of the process. Long-term success often starts with short-term humility.

Of course, the Mavericks will likely still win a solid amount of games next season. They'll be entering the year with Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell captaining the ship alongside Flagg, and the veteran presence will be significant. But we just have to remember that Cooper Flagg is not being brought in to save the franchise in year one, rather he's going to be the anchor of the franchise in the future.

If Dallas plays this the right way, the losses that do come in year one will be forgotten quickly. What will matter is that the growth Flagg shows along the way. That is the kind of vision this team needs right now, and the kind of mindset the fanbase should be prepared to embrace.