As the Dallas Mavericks prepare to open training camp next Tuesday ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season, star forward Cooper Flagg is already displaying signs of leadership entering his sophomore campaign.

During Saturday's practice, Mavericks team writer Eddie Sefko shared a video on X, formerly known as Twitter, showing Flagg making his way around the perimeter of the gym and greeting everyone in attendance. The 21-year-old exchanged handshakes, hugs and high-fives with teammates, staff members and even assembled media members before continuing around the court.

The brief moment offered another glimpse into Flagg's growing presence within the organization as he prepares for his second NBA season.

Flagg enters training camp following a standout rookie campaign in which he established himself as one of the Mavericks' foundational pieces. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game across 70 appearances.

He shot 46.8% from the field and 29.5% from 3-point range while averaging 33.5 minutes per contest, ultimately earning Rookie of the Year honors.

Cooper Flagg went around the perimeter of the gym to man-hug or high-five everybody—including assembled media members. pic.twitter.com/rr4Vzih6zW

— Eddie Sefko (@ESefko) September 26, 2026

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Cooper Flagg looks to lead Mavericks’ bounce-back season

Flagg will now look to translate that production into team success after Dallas finished the 2025-26 season with a 26-56 record and placed 12th in the Western Conference. His role figures to remain significant as the Mavericks attempt to climb back into playoff contention.

Dallas is also preparing to welcome Kyrie Irving back to the lineup after the veteran guard recovered from the torn ACL he suffered in March 2025. Irving's return should provide the Mavericks with another established offensive option alongside Flagg.

With training camp beginning next week, the Mavericks will start laying the groundwork for a bounce-back season. Flagg's interaction with those around the organization Saturday may have been a small moment, but it showed the type of presence Dallas' young star is already bringing into Year 2.