In June 2025, the Dallas Mavericks made a surprising move by trading Luka Doncic amid growing concerns about his professionalism. The team’s frustration over Doncic’s failure to maintain top physical condition, highlighted by viral images of the player indulging in unhealthy habits, prompted this decision. Meanwhile, the Mavericks’ newly drafted star, Cooper Flagg, is demonstrating a contrasting commitment to conditioning, exemplified by an extraordinary 10% reduction in body fat before his rookie NBA season, signaling a clear departure from the issues surrounding Luka Doncic professionalism concerns.
Dallas Mavericks’ Shift: From Luka Doncic’s Troubles to Cooper Flagg’s Discipline
Earlier this year, Dallas’ General Manager Nico Harrison shocked the basketball world by trading Luka Doncic, largely due to frustrations over the Slovenian player’s lack of dedication to maintaining elite fitness. Insider Sam Amick revealed sharp criticisms of Doncic’s professionalism during his final days with the Mavericks, with some describing him as lazy and warning that his health history could jeopardize his career within the next five years. The viral footage of Doncic partaking in beer and hookah fueled perceptions that his off-court lifestyle was undermining his value on the court.
In contrast, Cooper Flagg is entering the NBA with a level of preparation and work ethic that has impressed many observers. Long before the NBA draft, Flagg’s trainer Matt MacKenzie outlined a rigorous two-phase approach to his offseason training. First focusing on recovery following a demanding college season, the training then shifted to rebuilding and enhancing his physique. Flagg succeeded in lowering his body fat by nearly 10% in just two months, a transformation underscoring his dedication.
Despite suffering a serious left ankle injury during his final college season at Duke, where he led the team to the NCAA Final Four while averaging 19.2 points and almost eight rebounds per game, Flagg’s focus did not waver. This resilience and professionalism clearly differentiate him from the struggles associated with Luka Doncic professionalism concerns, as Flagg proves his readiness to sustain an elite level of fitness entering the league.
Testimonies Highlight Flagg’s Exceptional Preparation and Work Ethic
Flagg’s physical transformation and disciplined training regimen have commanded respect from multiple corners of the sports world. His trainer Matt MacKenzie described the body fat reduction as “just unbelievable,” emphasizing the magnitude of the change achieved during their work together in California.
Even longtime sports performance expert Ryan Capretta, owner of Proactive Sports Performance and a former NFL coach, acknowledged the rarity of such a turnaround.
“It was one of the greatest turnarounds he had seen from a draft prospect in his time doing this,”
MacKenzie said, underscoring the seriousness with which Flagg approaches his athletic development.
This commitment to conditioning suggests that Flagg is focused on avoiding any issues that could affect his professional longevity. Unlike the troubling reports surrounding Luka Doncic’s off-court habits, Flagg’s preparation indicates a long-term approach to athletic performance and team contribution.
Flagg’s Leadership and Work Ethic Recognized by Teammates
Cooper Flagg’s dedication does not go unnoticed by those who know him best. Duke teammate Kon Knueppel highlighted how Flagg’s perseverance extends beyond individual effort to influence the entire team. According to Knueppel, Flagg does not
“take plays off in the game”
and applies the same intensity to every practice drill.
Knueppel remarked,
“Like he doesn’t take plays off in the game. You can see how that would correlate to a practice. Like he’s not taking any drills off. He wants to win every drill. That stuff carries over.”
This suggests that Flagg’s work ethic fosters a winning mentality throughout his teammates, aiding Duke’s competitive success and potentially benefiting the Mavericks.
The culture of hard work established by cooperative leaders like Flagg motivates others around them. Knueppel added,
“I think for the most part, we had guys that are self-driven in that way anyway this past season, but I mean when the best guy is doing it everybody’s gonna do it.”
This peer-driven motivation often proves critical in sustaining team-wide high performance.
Flagg’s Mindset: Focused on Continuous Improvement and Team Success
Heading into his rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks, Cooper Flagg is prioritizing steady progress over immediate stardom. When discussing his ambitions, Flagg said,
“I’m coming in just trying to learn and trying to get better every single day. And I think if I can do that to the best of my ability, I think expectations and pressures that other people will put on me and our team, that will kind of work itself out. So, I’m just trying come in and be the best that I can be and just win at the highest level.”
Flagg’s attitude aligns perfectly with the qualities the Mavericks require from a young star after parting ways with Doncic, whose professionalism had raised doubts about long-term viability. Cooper aims to learn from veteran teammates and steadily develop into his best self, demonstrating a balanced focus on personal growth and collective achievement.
The Mavericks’ decision to replace Luka Doncic with a player like Cooper Flagg could signify a pivotal moment for the franchise. While Doncic’s undeniable talent was overshadowed by concerns over his off-court conduct and commitment, Flagg’s disciplined preparation and leadership qualities offer hope for a more sustainable future. His remarkable body transformation, work ethic, and team-first outlook present a potential blueprint to avoid the pitfalls that derailed Doncic’s tenure in Dallas.