Cooper Flagg plots forgotten transformation that Mavericks fans won't see coming

Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg entered the league as one of the most hyped prospects of this generation. Yet, what made him so special is that he was bound to get substantially better. He came into the league as a 6-foot-9, 205-pound 18-year-old forward, leaving plenty of room to grow, and that growth is already starting to show, with Flagg now reportedly up to around 220 pounds. But, he doesn't plan on stopping there.

Cooper Flagg's physical rookie transformation is apparent

Despite still being listed at 205, Flagg clarified he’s already added around 15 pounds. It’s a welcome development, considering how much his game relies on attacking downhill and getting to the rim. At his best, Flagg is putting pressure on defenses, using his size and length to finish over bigger defenders.

With that in mind, the Duke product knows he still has room to get stronger. Flagg said he’s excited for his first professional offseason and plans to work closely with the Mavericks’ strength and conditioning staff to find what best suits his playstyle moving forward.

How Cooper Flagg can draw more fouls

Considering Flagg is at his best relentlessly attacking the rim, adding weight is almost a requirement. More strength should only increase his ability to get downhill and create consistent pressure on defenses. Just look at Giannis Antetokounmpo, who developed into one of the most physically imposing players in the league after entering it with a much slimmer frame.

Of course, Flagg isn’t Antetokounmpo at 19 — his skill set and style are different. But the progression is worth noting. Giannis evolved into a two-time MVP after steadily adding strength and refining his game. If Flagg follows a similar path with his own physical development, the Mavericks could be witnessing the early stages of a major transformation.

However, one of the most noticeable aspects of Antetokounmpo's development is a stark rise in free-throw attempts. The Greek Freak’s attempts per game increased in every season over his first seven years. A streak that would have been 10 seasons if not for a slight dip from his seventh to eighth. For Flagg, who already attacks the rim aggressively but doesn’t yet get many foul calls, adding strength could similarly translate to more free throws and easier scoring opportunities in the NBA.

Flagg has often fallen victim to the rookie whistle, rarely getting calls despite his aggressive drives. While adding bulk doesn’t automatically guarantee more free throws, it clearly helped players like Giannis, and it’s already showing in Victor Wembanyama, who has added strength since entering the NBA and boosted his free-throw rate from 30.9 percent as a rookie to 41.5 percent this season.

Flagg’s current free-throw rate sits at 29.2 percent, clearly leaving room for improvement. Added strength not only provides more stability when finishing through contact, but could also help him draw more fouls and convert more opportunities at the line. If he can make this adjustment, it’s another step in the physical transformation that could elevate him to a more dominant offensive presence in the NBA.

How adding bulk shapes Flagg and the Mavericks' future

However, adding bulk doesn’t just lead to more free-throw opportunities — it can also aid durability and overall physicality. Getting bigger will allow Dallas to slot Flagg in at power forward more often, or even as a small-ball center, unlocking a variation the Mavericks haven’t explored frequently. That spacing could open up entirely new offensive options for the team.

Flagg’s jump from 205 to 220 pounds might seem like a subtle change, but it’s the kind of transformation that often goes unnoticed by casual fans. Yet it can have a huge impact on the court. By adding strength, improving his durability, and opening up new positional opportunities for Dallas, Flagg is quietly shaping himself into a more dominant and versatile player.