Cooper Flagg has expressed his ambitions regarding a potential role with Team USA for the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar. As a rising star with the Dallas Mavericks, Flagg recently reflected on his leadership responsibilities after his Rookie of the Year season, stating, "I’ve earned the respect of my teammates."

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During a preseason matchup against the Houston Rockets in Macao, Flagg showcased his skills by scoring 17 points in the second quarter before sitting out the rest of the game. The Mavericks ultimately fell to the Rockets 135-117, highlighting areas in their new offensive strategy that require improvement.

Kyrie Irving, a key player for the Mavericks, commented on Flagg during the game, addressing potential trade rumors concerning the team. Irving's remarks came in an interview with Grant Afseth of the Dallas Sports Journal, where he emphasized his commitment to the budding partnership with Flagg.

The preseason game marked the Mavericks' first steps into the 2026-27 NBA season, with their performance indicating that while chemistry is forming, they still have work to do on the court. The Mavericks and Rockets will face each other again in a follow-up preseason game in China on Sunday.