Ex-Duke Star Cooper Flagg Called On to Cover for Mavs’ ‘Legitimately Awful’ $11.7 Million Signing
In what was expected to be a strategic free agency move for the Dallas Mavericks, the signing of veteran forward Reggie Holmes to a two-year, $11.7 million deal has quickly turned into one of the most criticized acquisitions of the offseason. With performance concerns mounting just weeks into preseason preparations, the Mavericks are now turning to 18-year-old rookie Cooper Flagg—a former Duke standout and top-3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft—to fill the void left by what insiders are calling a “legitimately awful” signing.
Flagg, hailed as a generational talent coming out of college, has already drawn attention for his maturity, intensity, and readiness to compete at the professional level. Now, even before the regular season tips off, the Mavericks are relying on him in a bigger role than anticipated, highlighting not just his immense upside—but also the franchise’s glaring miscalculation in free agency.
Holmes’ Underperformance Raises Red Flags
Reggie Holmes, a 31-year-old journeyman forward known for his streaky perimeter shooting and veteran presence, was expected to bring stability off the bench and provide rotational minutes at the small forward position. Instead, he has struggled through training camp and preseason scrimmages with poor shooting splits, slow defensive rotations, and inconsistent energy. According to team sources, Holmes has also failed to establish chemistry with key players, notably Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.
“Holmes looks a step slow, disengaged, and frankly unprepared,” said one Mavericks insider, speaking on condition of anonymity. “This isn’t what the front office paid for. And it’s becoming clear very quickly that someone else will need to step up.”
That “someone else” is Cooper Flagg.
The Rise of Cooper Flagg
At just 18 years old, Flagg has already earned a reputation as one of the most complete two-way prospects in recent memory. After a dominant freshman campaign at Duke, where he averaged 20.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, Flagg was selected by the Mavericks with the No. 2 overall pick. He came into the league with expectations to develop behind veterans, but those plans are being thrown out the window.
Instead of easing into his role, Flagg has been pushed into the rotation—and now into the spotlight. In recent practices and intra-squad games, Flagg has been inserted into the first team, often running with Dončić and Irving, showcasing his defensive versatility, high basketball IQ, and willingness to take on difficult assignments.
Flagg has responded to the challenge with poise. According to head coach Jason Kidd, the rookie has been “phenomenal” in his approach and energy.
“We didn’t plan to lean on Cooper this much, this early,” Kidd admitted during a post-practice media session. “But the kid is a competitor. He’s showing he can defend multiple positions, make the right reads, and most importantly—he doesn’t back down from anyone.”
A Rookie Asked to Do It All
The Mavericks’ predicament speaks not only to Flagg’s readiness, but also to the franchise’s pressing need for depth and consistency at the wing position. With Holmes underperforming and no clear backup plan behind him, Flagg is being asked to play significant minutes in a high-pressure environment.
That’s a lot to ask of any rookie—especially one just months removed from the college ranks. Yet teammates and coaches are confident Flagg has the tools and temperament to handle it.
“He’s the real deal,” said veteran forward Grant Williams. “He wants the toughest assignments. He listens, then he goes out there and delivers. That’s rare for someone his age.”
Long-Term Implications for Dallas
While the Holmes signing may ultimately go down as a misfire, the silver lining is the emergence of Flagg as a day-one contributor. His early elevation into the starting rotation might accelerate his development and allow the Mavericks to recalibrate their roster strategy moving forward.
However, the organization must also be cautious not to overburden their teenage star too soon. Leaning too heavily on Flagg could risk stunting his growth or exposing him to undue pressure before he’s fully adjusted to the NBA grind.
Still, Flagg remains unfazed. In a recent media session, he downplayed the drama around Holmes and emphasized his team-first mentality.
“I’m here to play hard and help this team win,” Flagg said. “If that means stepping into a bigger role, I’m ready. I’ve been preparing for this my whole life.”
A Season of High Expectations—and Even Higher Stakes
The Dallas Mavericks entered the 2025–26 NBA season with championship aspirations. But early stumbles in personnel decisions have already complicated that vision. With Reggie Holmes failing to deliver, and Cooper Flagg being called upon earlier than planned, the success of this team may hinge on how quickly the rookie can transition from projected star to everyday solution.
And if his current trajectory holds, the Mavericks may have found their answer in the most unexpected way: by turning to an 18-year-old to clean up a $11.7 million mistake.
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