ESPN’s Tim MacMahon just dropped a bomb on Monday’s episode of The Hoop Collective podcast, flat out declaring Cooper Flagg has already arrived and is a top-10 player in the league. This isn’t some projection for down the road, folks. He said *right now*. The Mavericks are 4-2 after six games this 2026-27 season, and if you have been watching, you know the proof is absolutely in the dominance. MacMahon, who’s seen it all, had zero reservations, flatly stating, “I believe right now is a top-10 player.” He even doubled down, saying, “There’s only one guy in the league I’d trade him for.” That’s high praise, the kind that makes the rest of the league shake in their boots!
Flagg’s Dominance Is Already a Problem
The Houston Rockets learned this the hard way during Friday’s 116-111 Mavericks win at the AAC. Flagg went off for 35 points against them! That kind of performance from a teenager who is still in his teen years shows his development curve is exponential, which is terrifying for opposing teams. MacMahon put it best: Flagg is going to wreck your stuff tomorrow, not sometime in the distant future. It’s irrelevant to even talk about trading him because no one in their right mind would, just like the Spurs aren’t moving Wembanyama. What matters is that Flagg is balling out, and the team around him is starting to click.
Irving’s Future in Dallas Looks Brighter
It’s not just Flagg making headlines. Kyrie Irving put up 33 points himself in that Rockets upset. MacMahon also spilled the beans on the podcast that it’s getting less and less likely the Mavericks trade Irving this season. Why? Because Flagg being this good at bringing the ball up and initiating the offense takes a huge load off Kyrie. MacMahon said, “Kyrie, I think, is very, very happy and comfortable with his situation in Dallas.” While Irving has a player option for 2027-28 worth just over $42 million, MacMahon’s educated guess is that this situation will play out next summer. For now, the Mavericks’ fortunes are definitely turning, and a happy Kyrie is a dangerous Kyrie.
The Mavericks have started the season strong, sitting at 4-2. With Cooper Flagg already playing at an elite level and Kyrie Irving looking comfortable and happy, the league needs to take notice. This young superstar’s arrival has completely changed the outlook for Dallas, making them a very scary proposition.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mavs Moneyball.
Leave a Reply