Overview
- The Mavericks rookie said he will not enter this year's Slam Dunk Contest, calling himself "more of an in-game dunker" and adding "never say never."
- Flagg is the only rookie among 40 players receiving All-Star fan votes in the latest returns, ranking No. 16 in the West with 236,182.
- His debut season averages sit at roughly 19.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, supporting early Rookie of the Year buzz.
- He also downplayed joining the 3-Point Contest, pointing to teammates Max Christie and Klay Thompson as better candidates.
- His choice aligns with a yearslong pattern of top players skipping the Dunk Contest since LeBron James opted out, with rare exceptions such as Victor Oladipo in 2018 and Jaylen Brown in 2024.