Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg Matches Michael Jordan's Rare Feat

Flagg had a historic season, joining MJ as the only players to lead their teams in points, rebounds, assists, and steals since 1973-74.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:24am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring vibrant neon brushstrokes and splatters of color, capturing the raw athletic energy and movement of a basketball player in an unrecognizable, yet dynamic composition.A young NBA star's explosive energy and potential is captured in a dynamic, neon-hued expressionist painting.Los Angeles Today

Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, 19, had an impressive first NBA season, matching a rare achievement accomplished by basketball legend Michael Jordan. Flagg led his team in total points, rebounds, assists, and steals, becoming only the second player to do so since the 1973-74 season after Jordan. Flagg's rookie campaign included several 40-point games and a near triple-double against LeBron James and the Lakers.

Why it matters

Flagg's historic rookie season shows he has the potential to become a future NBA superstar, joining the elite company of Michael Jordan. His all-around dominance as a teenager is a rare feat, and the Mavericks will look to build around their young cornerstone as they aim to improve their record next season.

The details

In his rookie season, Flagg recorded totals of 1,473 points, 466 rebounds, 316 assists, and 84 steals. This matched the achievement of Michael Jordan, who had 2,313 points, 534 rebounds, 481 assists, and 196 steals in his rookie year with the Chicago Bulls. Flagg had four 40-point games, surpassing LeBron James' previous rookie record of three. However, Flagg's season ended on a sour note as he suffered a left ankle sprain in his final game.

  • Flagg had his historic 51-point game against the Orlando Magic earlier this month.
  • He followed that up with a near 45-point triple-double to defeat LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
  • Flagg's rookie season ended when he suffered a left ankle sprain in his final game.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A 19-year-old rookie who played for the Dallas Mavericks this season, becoming only the second player since 1973-74 to lead his team in total points, rebounds, assists, and steals, matching the feat of NBA legend Michael Jordan.

Michael Jordan

A basketball legend who accomplished the same statistical feat as Flagg in his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls.

LeBron James

A veteran NBA superstar who previously held the record for most 40-point games by a rookie, which Flagg surpassed this season.

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What they’re saying

“Cooper Flagg's rookie season was truly historic, and it's incredible to see him join the elite company of Michael Jordan. This young man has a bright future ahead of him in the NBA.”

— Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks Legend

What’s next

The Mavericks will look to add more young talent around Flagg in the upcoming NBA Draft, with the team projected to have the 8th overall pick. They hope to build a strong supporting cast to help Flagg and the team improve their 26-56 record from this past season.

The takeaway

Cooper Flagg's historic rookie season with the Mavericks, where he matched Michael Jordan's rare statistical feat, solidifies him as a future NBA superstar. The Mavericks will look to build around their young cornerstone as they aim to become a more competitive team in the league.