The Dallas Mavericks’ Struggles Mirror the Fall of Empires: A Cautionary Tale of Hubris and Despair in the NBA
Cooper Flagg’s entry into the NBA has been anything but smooth. As the top overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, expectations were sky-high, but the reality of professional basketball has proven to be a harsh teacher. The Dallas Mavericks, once a beacon of hope in the league, now find themselves at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a dismal 2-6 record. This slow start has not only affected the team’s morale but has also exposed the vulnerabilities of a franchise that was once considered a championship contender.
The Mavericks’ struggles can be attributed to several factors, but the most glaring issue has been their offensive performance. Despite having the fifth-best defense in the league, the Mavericks are dead last in offensive rating. Averaging just 106.3 points per game, they are miles away from the league-leading Houston Rockets, who are scoring an impressive 127.4 points per game. This stark contrast highlights a fundamental problem within the team’s structure and strategy.
Flagg himself has admitted to the challenges he faces, stating, “For me it’s the most I’ve lost since, you know, I think ever.” His frustration is palpable, as he grapples with the reality of losing games at a professional level. This sentiment resonates not only with Flagg but also with his teammates, who are struggling to maintain a positive outlook amid a string of defeats. The psychological toll of losing can be significant, particularly for a young player like Flagg, who is still adjusting to the rigors of the NBA.
The Mavericks’ offensive woes are compounded by Flagg’s individual performance. Averaging 13.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, his shooting percentages—38% from the floor and 30% from beyond the arc—indicate a need for improvement. While these numbers may seem respectable for a rookie, they fall short of the expectations set for a player of his caliber. The transition from college to the NBA is notoriously challenging, and Flagg’s experience is a testament to that reality. As he gains more experience, one can hope that his efficiency will improve, but the question remains: can the Mavericks afford to wait for that development?
The team’s struggles are not solely on Flagg’s shoulders. The absence of key players due to injuries has also played a significant role in the Mavericks’ poor start. The anticipated return of Anthony Davis from a calf injury could provide a much-needed boost to the lineup. Davis, a seasoned veteran, brings not only skill but also leadership and experience that can help stabilize the team. His presence on the court could be the catalyst needed to ignite the Mavericks’ offense and shift the momentum in their favor.
Historically, the Mavericks have been a franchise that has experienced both triumph and tribulation. From their championship run in 2011, led by Dirk Nowitzki, to their subsequent struggles in the years that followed, the team has seen its fair share of highs and lows. The current situation is reminiscent of past seasons where the Mavericks faced adversity but ultimately found a way to rebound. However, the competitive nature of the Western Conference adds an additional layer of pressure. With teams like the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Phoenix Suns consistently performing at a high level, the Mavericks cannot afford to fall too far behind.
The early part of the NBA season often serves as a barometer for the rest of the year. A slow start can lead to a loss of confidence, which can be difficult to recover from as the season progresses. The Mavericks need to string together some wins to regain their footing and build momentum. The longer they remain at the bottom of the standings, the more challenging it will become to climb back into playoff contention.
The broader implications of the Mavericks’ struggles extend beyond the court. The franchise’s management must evaluate its roster and make strategic decisions moving forward. The NBA is a league that rewards adaptability, and the Mavericks must be willing to make changes if they wish to return to their former glory. Whether that means adjusting their playing style, making trades, or developing their young talent, the front office has a critical role to play in shaping the future of the team.
As Flagg and the Mavericks navigate this challenging period, it is essential to remember that the season is still young. There is ample opportunity for growth and improvement, but the clock is ticking. The pressure to perform will only intensify as the season progresses, and the Mavericks must find a way to turn their fortunes around before it’s too late. The story of Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks is one of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of greatness in a league that is unforgiving to those who falter.
Cooper Flagg gets brutally honest about Mavericks’ slow start to the season originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The start of Cooper Flagg’s NBA career hasn’t gone super smoothly. Flagg has experienced some individual growing pains while accumulating to professional play, and the Dallas Mavericks have sputtered out of the gate.
Through two weeks of action, the Mavs sit at the bottom of the standings in the Western Conference with a 2-6 record, and it sounds like the losing is already taking a toll on the top overall pick from the 2025 NBA Draft.
“For me it’s the most I’ve lost since, you know, I think ever,” Flagg said following Dallas’ 101-99 loss to New Orleans on Wednesday night. “So it’s obviously a lot different. And you just have to adapt to just playing a lot more games and get used to that.
"I wouldn’t say anybody is happy," he added. "Guys obviously are trying to stay levelheaded and know that we got a lot more games to go and it’s still really early. But just speaking personally, it’s not fun to just keep losing and losing games.”
Like Flagg said, it’s still very early in the season, so it’s not time for the Mavericks to hit the panic button yet, but they need to start stringing some wins together if they don’t want to fall too far behind in a competitive Western Conference. If they sink too far in the standings, it will be exceedingly difficult to climb back up.
Offense, specifically, has been an issue for Dallas early in the season. The Mavs have the fifth-highest rated defense in the entire league, which is very respectable. But, they’re dead last in offensive rating. The Mavericks are scoring just 106.3 points per game as a team, which is also last in the league. For comparison, the league-leading Houston Rockets are scoring 127.4 points per performance.
Individually, Flagg is averaging 13.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 32.7 minutes per game, but he’s shooting just 38 percent from the floor and 30 percent from long range. He obviously needs to improve his efficiency, but that should come with time and experience.
Meanwhile, Dallas should be getting Anthony Davis back from a calf injury in the very near future. Perhaps with his return the Mavericks will be able to overcome their slow start and get back on track before it’s too late.