A team built to win now failed enough to cash in 1.8% odds of winning the draft lottery, delivering Flagg to Dallas and gifting the franchise another chance to build around a generational prospect. Now the pressure is on the franchise to make smart decisions and not squander the opportunity.

Flagg, 19, was diagnosed with a left midfoot sprain suffered during Tuesday’s game against Phoenix. He will miss Thursday’s game against the L.A. Lakers and will also miss the 2026 Rising Stars game on Friday during All-Star weekend. Flagg is expected to return after the All-Star break, per ESPN.

Cooper Flagg will miss the 2026 NBA Rising Stars game and here are the three potential players who could step in and take his place.

Stephen Jackson believes Cooper Flagg has tremendous potential but says comparing him to Larry Bird is premature.

Odds are one thing, but actual voting is another. And the award for this season's top rookie seems certain to be a close call.

Cooper Flagg's bond with his former Duke Blue Devils teammates remains as strong as ever. On Tuesday, the Dallas Mavericks rookie forward got reunited

Jason Kidd diagnoses Cooper Flagg-led Mavs' glaring problem in loss to Suns originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.