Cooper Flagg Suffers Ankle Sprain, Ends Rookie Season Early

Mavericks' star rookie Cooper Flagg suffers ankle sprain

Cooper Flagg's rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks ends early due to ankle injury; 19-year-old forward averaged 21.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.

Flagg was drafted first overall after a standout college season at Duke University...

Cooper Flagg's incredible rookie season ended on a sour note as he suffered an ankle sprain and hobbled off the court during the Dallas Mavericks' win over the Chicago Bulls.

Flagg, 19, was the top pick in last year's NBA draft and had been making waves in the league. He played under 10 minutes, scoring 10 points, before his night was cut short with the injury.

Cooper Flagg's season ended early with an ankle sprain, with the Mavericks confirming he'd “not return to tonight's game against the Chicago Bulls” via their social media.

The forward had a standout rookie season, racking up personal records despite the Mavericks missing the playoffs. As the top pick in last year's NBA draft, Flagg's future looks bright. 

Flagg was drafted first overall after a standout college season at Duke University. He made history this month by becoming the first teen to score 50+ points in an NBA game, and joined Michael Jordan as the only rookies with multiple 45+ point games.

Cooper Flagg left the floor in the Mavs' final game with an apparent limp after this play. pic.twitter.com/QFt9IZiLH8

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 13, 2026

His rookie season was a breakout success, with Flagg showcasing his skills and earning recognition. Despite the Mavericks' disappointing season, Flagg's future looks bright. 

Flagg's stats are impressive: 1,463 points, 462 rebounds, and 315 assists. He's the favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year, with a tough competitor in Charlotte Hornets' Kon Knueppel, his college roommate and teammate at Duke.

The competition's fierce, but Flagg's had a standout season.