Cooper Flagg Nearing NBA Return
Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg is "nearing a return to action" according to team sources, though no firm date has been set. The highly-touted rookie's comeback is being closely watched by fantasy managers and Mavericks fans tracking his recovery progress.
The injury sidelining the No. 1 overall pick is a left midfoot sprain, sustained in a game against the Phoenix Suns on February 10. An MRI confirmed the sprain, which has kept him out of action longer than the team initially anticipated, forcing him to miss the All-Star Rising Stars event. Before the injury, Flagg was the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. This isn't his first physical setback of the season; he has previously played through left shoulder soreness and a sprained right thumb. The Mavericks have struggled significantly in Flagg's absence, posting a 4-7 record in games he has missed this season. The team's recent performance has been particularly poor, having lost 12 of their last 14 games amid a multi-game home losing streak. Flagg's absence is compounded by a wider injury crisis for Dallas. Key players including Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery) and Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery) have also been ruled out, leaving the team severely short-handed.
