Cooper Flagg will be coached by former 16‑year NBA veteran Garrett Temple as the Dallas Mavericks reshape their roster for the 2025‑26 campaign. The move, announced in early July 2026, pairs the league’s newest Rookie of the Year with a seasoned point‑guard mentor, signaling a strategic push to develop the young star.
Who is joining the Mavericks staff?
Garrett Temple, a 40‑year‑old who logged 16 seasons across 12 franchises, signed on as a player‑development coach under head coach Dusty May. Temple’s résumé includes stints with the Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies, LA Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans and Toronto Raptors. In his final two seasons with Toronto, he averaged 0.8 points, 0.4 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game, but his league‑wide respect stems from his NBPA vice‑presidency and locker‑room leadership.
Why does this matter for Cooper Flagg?
Flagged as the 2025‑26 NBA Rookie of the Year, Flagg enters a Mavericks locker room that just shed Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade. The franchise hopes Temple’s veteran insights will accelerate Flagg’s transition from college phenom to NBA mainstay. Temple’s experience at the point guard spot offers Flagg a direct line to the nuances of spacing, decision‑making and defensive positioning that only a long‑term pro can convey.
What does Dusty May envision?
Dusty May, hired after the dismissal of Jason Kidd, spoke at his introductory press conference, saying, “I did start preparing for this years ago, going to watch and trying to figure out if I could do this well… I never dreamed of coaching in the NBA, of coaching college, of coaching anywhere other than just being a coach in high school in my state.” May’s candidness underscores a willingness to blend fresh talent like Flagg with seasoned voices such as Temple, Willie Green (lead assistant) and former Memphis assistant Joe Boylan.
How might the Mavericks’ season shape up?
The Mavericks finished the 2024‑25 season 12th in the Western Conference with a 26‑56 record. With the addition of Masai Ujiri to the front office and a revamped coaching cadre, Dallas aims to climb the standings quickly. Flagg’s rookie accolades, combined with Temple’s mentorship, could translate into a more disciplined offense and a tighter defensive rotation, essential for competing against powerhouses in the West.
What’s next for Flagg and the team?
The Mavericks will debut their new staff and roster in the season‑opening game on 25 Oct 2026. All eyes will be on how quickly Flagg adapts under Temple’s guidance and whether the Mavericks can convert their rebuilding narrative into tangible wins. Early-season performance will likely dictate the franchise’s trajectory toward a playoff push.