Cooper Flagg has developed an unusual courtside routine, and it’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about habits in the NBA.
The Dallas Mavericks star has been spotted eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on the bench during consecutive games, with the 19-year-old revealing there’s a specific reason behind his mid-game meals.
Flagg was caught on camera enjoying a sandwich during Dallas’ 130-93 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, having already done the same during Friday’s 112-100 win against Utah.
The forward explained that he’s working closely with the Mavericks’ strength and medical staff to increase his calorie intake as he looks to add muscle.
“So those requirements I got to meet. I’m just trying to stay ahead of it,” Flagg said Sunday. “We got another game [Monday]. So just trying to get my calories and stay ahead of it and be ready for another one [Monday].”
The sandwiches certainly haven’t slowed him down.
Flagg recorded 21 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals against Utah before following it up with 25 points and a career-high 12 assists against Brooklyn.
He also revealed his preferred combination is smooth peanut butter and grape jelly, although he occasionally switches things up with peanut butter, banana and honey.
Teammate Daniel Gafford wasn’t entirely convinced by all of Flagg’s choices.
“That one I understand: peanut butter, banana and honey. But I don’t know about just [peanut butter and banana],” Gafford said.
Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki also weighed in on the routine during Amazon Prime’s NBA coverage, suggesting players sometimes “need a little sugar hit” during games.
Flagg then delivered another huge performance Monday, recording 43 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists in Dallas’ 125-122 victory over Indiana.
And despite the attention surrounding his sandwiches, Flagg admitted he had forgotten to bring one to his postgame media appearance.
“I was supposed to bring the peanut butter and jelly,” he said. “Just know, I was supposed to have a peanut butter and jelly. So I’m going to have one, but it was supposed to be this thing.”
The PB&J tradition has been around the NBA for years, dating back to Kevin Garnett’s time with the Boston Celtics in 2007.
But Flagg has added his own twist by eating them during games rather than before them.