Mavs' Jason Kidd Makes Bold Rookie of the Year Claim for Cooper Flagg

Kidd compares 19-year-old's historic season to Michael Jordan's rookie year

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:40pm

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Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd made a strong case for 19-year-old forward Cooper Flagg to win Rookie of the Year, comparing the teenager's historic production to Michael Jordan's rookie season. Flagg is averaging over 20 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, including a 51-point outburst that made him the youngest player ever to reach that mark. Kidd believes Flagg deserves the award over Kon Knueppel, who has led his team to more wins.

Why it matters

Kidd's bold comparison of Flagg to Jordan's legendary rookie campaign has thrust the young Mavs star into the national spotlight and the Rookie of the Year conversation. Flagg's historic production and Kidd's unwavering support could sway voters, even as Knueppel's team success gives him an edge in the odds.

The details

Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward, has been functioning as the Mavericks' primary creator despite his natural position, showcasing rare versatility for a player his age. Kidd has been unafraid to slide Flagg into the point guard role, betting on the teenager's development over traditional positional comfort. Flagg's 51-point game on April 3 made him the youngest player ever to reach that milestone, further bolstering his Rookie of the Year case.

  • On April 3, 2026, Flagg scored 51 points, the youngest player ever to reach that mark.
  • Flagg is averaging over 20 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game this season.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A 19-year-old forward for the Dallas Mavericks who is putting up historic rookie numbers, including a 51-point game that made him the youngest player ever to reach that milestone.

Jason Kidd

The head coach of the Dallas Mavericks who has been a vocal supporter of Flagg's Rookie of the Year candidacy, comparing the teenager's production to that of Michael Jordan's legendary rookie season.

Kon Knueppel

A rookie who is also in contention for the Rookie of the Year award, with his team success giving him an edge in the odds over Flagg.

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What they’re saying

“He should be Rookie of the Year. It's unbelievable, the country is not watching the same thing that we get to watch on a daily basis. The things that he's done, he's in rare air, he's with the GOAT when you talk about MJ and what he did in his rookie year, and as a teenager.”

— Jason Kidd, Head Coach, Dallas Mavericks

What’s next

The Rookie of the Year race between Flagg and Knueppel is expected to come down to the wire, with voters weighing Flagg's historic individual production against Knueppel's team success. Kidd's continued advocacy for Flagg could sway some voters, but the final decision may not be made until the season concludes.

The takeaway

Jason Kidd's bold comparison of Cooper Flagg to Michael Jordan has elevated the 19-year-old Mavericks star into the national Rookie of the Year conversation, despite his team's struggles. Flagg's historic individual production, including becoming the youngest player ever to score 51 points in a game, has made him a compelling candidate, even as Kon Knueppel's team success gives him an edge in the odds.