Cooper Flagg entered his rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks averaging 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Those numbers led the Mavericks in every major statistical category, a feat matched by only one other rookie in the past half-century , Michael Jordan , who also topped his team in points, rebounds, assists and steals.
Kurt Helin’s latest roster projection for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics lists Flagg as a lock alongside Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Haliburton and Bam Adebayo. Helin wrote, “When I posed a roster question to one former Team USA member, he said, ‘Cooper Flagg starts’ before I finished the sentence. He’s probably right.” The projection places Flagg at the forefront of what could become a star-laden Team USA lineup.
The statistical achievement alone makes Flagg’s case compelling, but his style of play also aligns with the versatility Team USA values in a tournament setting. He can defend multiple positions and initiate offense from the high post, providing a balance of scoring and playmaking that complements the skill sets of Haliburton, Edwards and Tatum. Such flexibility reduces the need for a traditional point-forward, potentially freeing up roster spots for specialists.
Historically, the Mavericks have not had a home-grown player wear the USA uniform since Jason Kidd anchored the 2008 “Redeem Team.” While Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic have represented Germany and Slovenia respectively, Flagg’s potential Olympic appearance would mark the franchise’s first home-grown representation of the United States in nearly two decades, underscoring Dallas’s recent emphasis on developing domestic talent.
Looking ahead, Flagg’s ability to sustain his rookie impact will be the key factor in solidifying his Olympic berth. Assuming he remains healthy, his performance over the next two seasons will be closely monitored by the national team’s coaching staff. Continued production, especially in high-stakes games, could cement his place on the 2028 roster and signal the Mavericks’ capacity to produce a player able to compete on the world stage.
