Cooper Flagg arrived in the NBA carrying enormous expectations. He spent only one year in college before making the leap to the professional level, and the Dallas Mavericks were the ones who benefited. After a rocky beginning, the rookie now appears to be reaching the level that so many anticipated when he entered the league.
All of this is tied to a powerful bond Flagg has maintained since he was in sixth grade, back in 2019, in Bangor, Maine. That connection has remained intact through every stage of his development and continues to shape his professional growth today.
LeBron James’ intense stare at DeAndre Ayton during Kings game
At that time, his parents were searching for a mentor who could help him refine his basketball skills. Cooper was just 12 years old. The objective was clear: guide him so that he could eventually earn a place in one of the top programs in the country.
That was when coach Matt MacKenzie entered the Flagg family’s life. He began working with the then preteen, shaping him and helping him unlock the skills that are now being showcased on NBA courts. MacKenzie focused on discipline, structure, and a detailed approach to development.
Inside MacKenzie’s gym, the magic for the future Dallas Mavericks rookie truly began. It was there that the coach designed precise and specific plans for the young player, who was just starting to understand the scope of his own talent and potential.
Cooper has always been a reserved player and prefers to keep a low profile, even now that he is a globally recognized star. Seeing the work MacKenzie was doing with their son, the family decided to place full trust in the coach and his methods.
We’ve just developed a very special bond that goes beyond basketball.
MacKenzie recently told USA TODAY Sports.
Cooper Flagg’s arrival with the Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg became the youngest player to reach the NBA, and within the franchise he has been given full freedom to take ownership of the team and make it his own, including having his specific dietary and hydration needs fully supported. The organization has built an environment tailored to his growth.
Now that he is beginning to establish himself in the professional league, Flagg continues to rely on MacKenzie as a mentor and coach, turning to him whenever he feels it is necessary. In this way, MacKenzie has become a vital pillar of support for the young player.
The coach frequently travels to Dallas for the team’s home games. When he observes practices and games, he speaks with the Mavericks’ coaching staff to discuss what can be done to further improve Flagg’s performance and development.
This way, I can be another voice to complement what they’re looking for.”…”I’m not somebody who’s going to work against them, I’m working with them. Just offering him a perspective, being in his ear if he has things he wants to talk about. If he wants somebody to lean on who will tell him the truth, he can come to me.
MacKenzie said.
The deep trust Flagg places in MacKenzie continues to deliver significant benefits, allowing him to improve game after game. That bond is not weakening, but growing stronger with time.