Cooper Flagg didn't play in any event during the 2026 NBA All-Star festivities, but he emerged as an overlooked winner, anyway.
The NBA All-Star Game returned to its glory days on Sunday. In a new format that saw three teams play in a round robin tournament, Team USA Stars, led by young American players, took home the title.
Anthony Edwards was named MVP, and Cade Cunningham stood out for his stellar play as well. The Stars' "veteran" was Devin Booker, who is only 29 years old.
The Stars beat the World Team in overtime, although Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic played only five minutes apiece. Still, the competitiveness was off the charts, and both fans and players seemed engaged, making the tournament a booming success.
Mavericks, Flagg Win All-Star Weekend
Cooper Flagg was invited to play in the Rising Stars Challenge, although injury held him out. The Dallas Maceruicks did not have a representative in any All-Star events.
Still, Flagg and his franchise emerged as clear winners from the event.
In the 2028 Olympic Games, hosted by Los Angeles, USA Basketball will be at a crossroads. The French team is only getting better, and legends like LeBron James, Ste[phen Curry, and Kevin Durant will certainly be retired by then.
Over the weekend, Edwards emerged as the face of USA Basketball, and Booker has a track record in international competitions of playing a winning style. Plus, Cunningham has continued to improve and will likely be the starting point guard for the Americans.
Around that trio, Team USA will need versatile defenders who can space the floor and operate without the ball in their hands. At power forward? It's hard to imagine anyone rivaling Flagg. Maybe Jayson Ttayum, although after he was benched in Paris, he might have soured off intertnational play.
It seems that the recipe for Team USA is clear, and Flagg is the missing piece. Plus, the Americans will need rebounding and shot-blocking. Jalen Duren and Chet Holmgren seem to be frontrunners, although the Mavericks could have another representative if Dereck Lively II returns from injury with force.
The World vs. USA All-Star format was the first audition for the national team, and Flagg's two-way impact and improving skillset make him an obvious choice to take the floor alongside Edwards, Cunningham, and Booker, even if he is not yet an All-Star.