Cooper Flagg has been the most consistent player for the Dallas Mavericks even if he is just a rookie. His. recent output, however, is not that tantalizing. Some thought he hit the proverbial ‘rookie wall’ wherein an outstanding freshman struggle after team’s adjusted to his capabilities while he personally deal with with physical and mental exhaustion.
Jason Kidd recognized that the 2025 no. 1 pick is indeed hitting a rookie wall. However, he is not that worried about the 19-year-old. Instead, he wants him to take it head on.
“He’s gotta touch it. He’s gotta rub it and hold it. He’s gotta embrace it,” he told reporters after their recent win over the Houston Rockets.
“That’s just a mental thing. For the great ones, they touch it, they don’t run from it. They find a way to go over it or through it or around it, because it’s not gonna move…Just like playing point guard, it’s gonna be uncomfortable, but he’s responded in a positive way.”
The quote just produced an avalanche of reaction for the way it was framed.
I’m sorry he’s gotta what now?
— 🏈 Chris Leeper 🐦 (@RoseBug_22) January 4, 2026
10 mins into Netflix and Chill https://t.co/BjpwYGwm1L pic.twitter.com/p1E4S4NcY3
— The Final Emanation (@mugiiiwaraya) January 4, 2026
Pause. https://t.co/XjwME8bk3r pic.twitter.com/kLDIOXLFOJ
— TJ Kidd (@TJKidd__) January 4, 2026
— Illogical logic (@JDRockinShade) January 4, 2026
The line between Centel and non Centel content is becoming non existent atp😭 https://t.co/01nvgTVUuW
— db (@ShotLIkeKorver) January 4, 2026
https://t.co/sDLzdyKduZ pic.twitter.com/a9UC6DqSVY
— Bryan Bingham (@BryanCBingham) January 4, 2026
Cooper Flagg in last 3 games
Flagg’s production dropped in the last three games. He is averaging 9.6 points per game in the last three that saw them win against the Rockets and lose to the Philadelphia 76ers and to the Portland Trailblazers.
He dropped 33, 27, and 23 before, all above his averages of 19.4 points and retained the first place in the latest NBA.com Rookie Ladder.
His teammate Max Christie is not that worried about his current play.
Max Christie speaks on Cooper Flagg pacing himself in his rookie year to avoid the ‘rookie wall’.
“That’s why he was the No. 1 pick and that’s why he is who he is. He was built for that. He’s gonna be fine.” pic.twitter.com/YEwVWdOH2q
— Abby Jones (@_abigaiiiil) January 4, 2026
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