Mavericks trainer weighs in on Cooper Flagg’s height. Image via: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Cooper Flagg can’t seem to escape a debate that has nothing to do with basketball. All summer, fans have zeroed in on grainy photos and clips, convinced the Mavericks forward picked up an inch or two before his second season tips off. It got loud enough that his own trainer finally had to say something about it. Talking to NBA insider Marc Stein, MacKenzie brushed off the height talk and pointed to something he considers far more important heading into the new season.
Flagg’s Upcoming Season and Support from Nowitzki
Jaden Flagg’s second season is set to begin on October 9 with a preseason game against the Houston Rockets in Macao. The regular season will kick off for Flagg in Houston on October 21.
Dirk Nowitzki, who dedicated his entire 21-season NBA career to the Dallas Mavericks and led them to their only championship in 2011, praised Flagg as a dedicated player. Nowitzki emphasized the importance of support for Flagg, stating that he is already ahead of the curve compared to other players at his age. He described Flagg as a workaholic constantly striving to improve his game.
The 6-9 forward was named 2025-26 Rookie of the Year after averaging 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals across 70 appearances, numbers that put him in rare company. He became the second rookie since 1973-74 to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists and steals in a single season, joining Michael Jordan on that short list, and he finished as the second-youngest Rookie of the Year winner in league history behind only LeBron James. Dirk Nowitzki revealed he stays in touch with Flagg and sends him notes whenever he spots something worth fixing or building on in his game.
Flagg has quietly been getting help from a Mavericks icon behind the scenes While the height chatter played out publicly.