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3w ago

Dirk Nowitzki Endorses Cooper Flagg as Matt Barnes Sees a Healthy Mavericks Contending in the West

Betting odds alongside Kyrie Irving's recovery timeline keep expectations in check.

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Dirk Nowitzki watches the game between the Dallas Wings and the Seattle Storm during the first half at College Park Center
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Matt Barnes bats as he participates in Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) celebrity softball game prior to the game agains the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium

Overview

  • Nowitzki met Flagg at his foundation event and said the hype is real, calling the 18-year-old the real deal with rare versatility and elite work ethic.
  • Barnes highlighted Flagg’s motor and defensive versatility, saying the rookie can guard multiple positions and continues to improve his jumper.
  • Barnes predicted Dallas could represent the Western Conference if healthy, stressing Anthony Davis’ availability as the pivotal factor.
  • Irving is rehabbing a torn ACL with no official return timeline, with early 2026 mentioned as a possibility in reports.
  • DraftKings lists Dallas at +3000 to win the title, trailing several West powers, and the Mavericks open preseason on October 6 against the Thunder.