Mavs Rookie Cooper Flagg Poised to Win Rookie of the Year

The 19-year-old had one of the best all-around statistical seasons in the NBA, including some historic performances.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:21pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with overlapping planes of color and shape representing the dynamic action on the court.Flagg's all-around impact and historic feats as a teenage rookie could make him the deserving Rookie of the Year winner.Dallas Today

Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg is expected to be named the NBA Rookie of the Year after a standout season that saw him become the first teenager to average at least 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. Flagg's main competition is Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, but Flagg's well-rounded impact on both ends of the floor gives him the edge.

Why it matters

Flagg's historic rookie campaign comes during a down season for the Mavericks, who missed the playoffs. However, his individual accomplishments have put him in elite company alongside NBA legends like Larry Bird, Luka Doncic and Michael Jordan. Winning Rookie of the Year would cement Flagg's status as one of the league's rising young stars.

The details

Flagg, 19, made significant contributions in every major statistical category, becoming the only player in the NBA this season to average at least 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks. His main competition, Knueppel, had slightly lower averages in those areas but was more efficient as a scorer, shooting 47.5% from the field, 42.5% from 3-point range and 86.3% from the free throw line. Flagg struggled from 3-point range at 29.5% but made up for it with his all-around impact. Flagg missed 12 games due to a left midfoot sprain, while Knueppel appeared in 81 of 82 games for the Hornets.

  • Flagg became the first teenager to score 30 points or more in four straight games before his injury.
  • Flagg regained his pre-All-Star form over the final 21 games, averaging 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A 19-year-old rookie forward for the Dallas Mavericks who had one of the best all-around statistical seasons by a first-year player in NBA history.

Kon Knueppel

A rookie guard for the Charlotte Hornets who was Flagg's main competition for Rookie of the Year, known for his elite 3-point shooting and efficiency.

Jason Kidd

The head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, who praised Flagg's impact as the team's primary focus despite playing alongside veteran stars.

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What they’re saying

“Nothing against Knueppel. He is a piece of the puzzle for the Hornets. Cooper is the puzzle.”

— Jason Kidd, Head Coach, Dallas Mavericks

What’s next

The NBA is expected to distribute Rookie of the Year ballots by the end of the week, and the league will announce finalists next week before revealing the winner in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Flagg's historic rookie season, in which he became the first teenager to put up such well-rounded statistical averages, has cemented his status as one of the league's most promising young stars. While the Mavericks struggled as a team, Flagg's individual accomplishments and impact on both ends of the floor make him the clear choice for Rookie of the Year.