Rookie Cooper Flagg Joins Elite NBA Greats with Historic Weekend

Flagg's 45-point games put him in rare company with Jordan, Chamberlain, and other Hall of Famers.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:00am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the movements and energy of a basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the exceptional talent and promise of a young player.A cubist interpretation of a young basketball prodigy's historic performance, capturing the dynamic energy and potential of the rising star.Newport Today

Cooper Flagg, a rookie playing for the Newport team, just accomplished a feat that only five other NBA rookies have done before - recording at least three 45-point games in a season. This elite group includes basketball legends like Micheal Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, all of whom are now in the Hall of Fame.

Why it matters

Flagg's historic performance has catapulted him back into the conversation for Rookie of the Year, cementing his status as one of the most promising young talents in the league. His ability to join the ranks of these all-time greats as a rookie is a testament to his exceptional skills and potential.

The details

According to ESPN, Flagg is only the sixth rookie in NBA history to record at least three 45-point games in a single season. This exclusive club includes some of the most dominant players to ever grace the court, solidifying Flagg's place among the league's rising stars.

  • Flagg accomplished this feat over the past weekend.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A rookie playing for the Newport team who has emerged as a top Rookie of the Year candidate.

Micheal Jordan

A Hall of Fame NBA player who is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Wilt Chamberlain

A Hall of Fame NBA player who is widely regarded as one of the most dominant players in the history of the sport.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

A Hall of Fame NBA player who is the league's all-time leading scorer and one of the most accomplished players in the history of the game.

Earl Monroe

A Hall of Fame NBA player known for his flashy and innovative playing style.

Walt Bellamy

A Hall of Fame NBA player who was a dominant center in the league during his career.

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The takeaway

Flagg's historic performance has cemented his status as one of the most promising young talents in the NBA, joining the ranks of some of the greatest players to ever grace the court. His ability to achieve this feat as a rookie is a testament to his exceptional skills and potential, and has catapulted him back into the conversation for Rookie of the Year.