Cooper Flagg Injury Update: Mavericks Rookie Shrugs Off Concerns Around His Thumb Splint With Gritty Response

Cooper Flagg has been dealing with a thumb injury for weeks now, but the top overall pick in this year's draft has gutted it out, providing a spark for the Dallas Mavericks on both ends of the floor. Some are wondering, however, if the injury will eventually catch up to Flagg and cost him valuable time.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Flagg silenced any doubts about his condition. According to the former Duke standout, he has come to realize that injuries are part and parcel of the NBA experience.

"I feel healthy for sure, I’m good to go. With the amount of games we play, there’s always going to be nagging things. Obviously I’ve had stuff with my thumb going on, but I’m good to go," Flagg said.

Joey Mistretta

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Cooper Flagg was asked if he’s 100 percent right now from an injury standpoint: "I feel healthy for sure, I’m good to go. With the amount of games we play, there’s always going to be nagging things. Obviously I’ve had stuff with my thumb going on, but I’m good to go. There’s always gonna be something you have to deal with. That’s just part of being mentally and physically tough, and just playing through some of that stuff."

Flagg, who is averaging 17.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists this season, doubled down on his commitment to toughness.

"There’s always gonna be something you have to deal with. That’s just part of being mentally and physically tough, and just playing through some of that stuff," he added.

This season, the Mavericks have gotten off to a 9-16 start, and one of the few bright spots for their fanbase has been the tremendously high ceiling of Flagg. Considered a generational star by pundits, Flagg is in the process of gaining valuable experience in the NBA as he is set to become the Mavericks' main man for years to come.

Mavs fans, then, would be delighted to hear the maturity in Flagg's tone as he addressed injury concerns. They are hoping that the 6-foot-9 playmaker will continue to be available as the team looks to improve their dismal record.

2x NBA champion dishes out praise for Cooper Flagg: "He's finally figuring it out"

Flagg's peers are certainly taking notice of his brilliance on the hardcourt. One future Hall of Famer has pointed out how the Mavs rookie is beginning to round into form.

A viral clip posted last week shows Houston Rockets superstar Kevin Durant offering a compliment to Flagg.

"Just from watching his film he's finally figuring it out," Durant said. "He can shoot the jump shot off the middy, he can shoot the 3, he can get to the rim. I love his game."

Oh No He Didn't

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Kevin Durant on Cooper Flagg: "Just from watching his film he's finally figuring it out...he can shoot the jump shot off the middy, he can shoot the 3, he can get to the rim. I love his game"

Durant, of course, is one of the finest scorers the NBA has ever seen. As such, Flagg can take pride in the fact that his explosive offense has earned the admiration of the two-time NBA champion.