Rising star talks about interest in Dunk Contest
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg recently shared his excitement about a possible NBA Dunk Contest appearance during All-Star Weekend. After a breakout rookie season, Flagg said he would:absolute“Be interested if invited. He described the competition as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” and one he would “love to participate in” if fans and the league choose him.
Flagg’s candid comments showed his confidence and competitive edge. While he’s focused on helping the Mavs win games first, the idea of showcasing his athleticism in a league game clearly appeals to him.
Athletics meets opportunity
Flagg has impressed fans and scouts with his athletic skills and vertical leap since entering the NBA. He routinely finishes above the rim in games, and his mix of length, body control and timing makes him a natural dunker. His presence on the Mavericks’ roster has added energy and excitement, making Dallas a versatile forward with upside potential.
Even before this season, people around the league were mentioning Flagg as a potential candidate for the dunk contest. Now that he’s played significant minutes and shown elite speed and explosiveness, his name is coming up more prominently in conversations with fans and analysts.
Cooper asked Flagg if he would consider participating in the dunk contest during next month’s NBA All-Star Weekend:
“Look, I don’t know if I can really compete. I’m more of an in-game dunker, so never say never, but I don’t know if I can really compete.”
He was jokingly asked about the… pic.twitter.com/fk3b8Cgu6J
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) January 8, 2026
Flagg’s response to fans
Flagg addressed the growing fan support with humility and poise. He said he appreciates love and doesn’t take it for granted. “I see all the talk,” he said. “That’s love. I appreciate it. If they want to see me in the dunk contest, I’ll go there and put on a show.”
His statement highlighted his willingness to live up to expectations when in the spotlight. Flagg vowed not to participate — he acknowledged the league had to extend an invitation first — but he left no doubt he would jump at the chance.
Why the Dunk Contest is Important
The NBA Dunk Contest remains one of the most celebrated All-Star Weekend events. It gives athletic stars, especially young players, a platform to demonstrate creativity and explosiveness in front of a national audience. Over the years, the competition has raised the profiles of players who star in high-flying showcases – from Vince Carter to Zach LaVine.
With All-Star Weekend drawing larger audiences each year, the Dunk Contest continues to spotlight the league’s most dynamic athletes. Flagg’s name now appears in that conversation, and his performance during the regular season gives fans reason to pay attention.
What’s next for Flagg
For now, Flagg’s focus remains on the Mavericks’ regular season and playoffs. Dallas values his two-way impact, and coach Jason Kidd has strategically integrated him into key rotations. Should Flagg earn an invite to a dunk contest, it will likely reflect both fan excitement and the league’s recognition of his unique talents.
As the All-Star’s breakthrough approaches, eyes will turn to performance metrics and story momentum. If Dallas continues to follow Flagg’s athleticism and continue to score, his name will only rise higher in the Dunk Contest discussions. Regardless, his transparency and excitement have already energized fans and added an extra layer of intrigue to this season’s midseason showcase.
#Mavs #Cooper #Flagg #Eyes #NBA #Dunk #Contest #opportunity