Cooper Flagg has been named one of TIME magazine's 100 most influential people in sports for 2026. He was ranked among other innovators such as figure skater Alysa Liu and basketballer Jalen Brunson.
What happened?
Cooper Flagg averaged 21 points per game, the most for any rookie, and became the youngest player to score 50 points in a single NBA game.
Why it matters for Cooper Flagg
He was praised for his sensational debut with the Dallas Mavericks, and became the second-youngest Rookie of the Year, behind only Lebron James.
Cooper Flagg went on to become the second-youngest Rookie of the Year, with a record that softened the blow for Mavericks fans still upset by the unpopular trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
What comes next?
Correspondent Sean Gregory predicted that the debate over the best active basketballer may come down to Cooper Flagg and the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama, who also made TIME's top 100 list for 2026.
Cooper Flagg's achievements include becoming the second-youngest to score 1,000 points, and his profile was written by correspondent Sean Gregory, who noted that he has lived up to the hype.
The top draft pick ahead of last season, Cooper Flagg's success has been recognized by TIME magazine, and he is now considered one of the most influential people in sports for 2026.
Cooper Flagg's ranking among other innovators such as figure skater Alysa Liu, basketballer Jalen Brunson, skier Lindsey Vonn, and Rob McElhenney is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
On June 10, 2026, Cooper Flagg was officially named one of TIME's 100 most influential people in sports, a recognition of his achievements in the NBA.