Cooper Flagg was named the 2025-26 Rookie of the Year on Monday night, becoming the third player in Dallas Mavericks history to win the award. He beat Kon Knueppel by just 26 points.
What happened?
Cooper Flagg made basketball history by winning National High School Player of the Year, NCAA Player of the Year, and NBA Rookie of the Year in three straight years.
Why it matters for Cooper Flagg
This feat is even more impressive considering he achieved it in consecutive years, making him the first player to do so. Flagg was the heavy favorite for most of the season, despite missing eight games due to a foot injury.
What comes next?
Cooper Flagg's rookie season will be remembered for a long time, with him leading his team in points, rebounds, assists, and steals, a feat only achieved by Michael Jordan in the last 50+ years. Flagg is also the second-youngest Rookie of the Year winner in NBA history after LeBron James.
Cooper Flagg's historic stretch is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He was one of just four freshmen to win national player of the year in college, joining Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and Zion Williamson.
The best players coming out of high school are often one-and-dones, so winning national player of the year as a freshman in college is a rare achievement. Cooper Flagg's ability to win this award in consecutive years is a remarkable feat.
Cooper Flagg's future looks bright, with many expecting him to become a superstar in the NBA. His rookie season has been historic, with him having four 40-point games, a feat last achieved by Allen Iverson.
On Monday night, Cooper Flagg was rightfully named the 2025-26 Rookie of the Year, making him the third player in Dallas Mavericks history to win the award, joining Luka Doncic and Jason Kidd. This award is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and dedication to the sport.
Cooper Flagg's achievement is a significant one, and he will likely hold onto this record for a long time. His ability to win National High School Player of the Year, NCAA Player of the Year, and NBA Rookie of the Year in consecutive years is a remarkable feat that will be remembered for years to come.
The Dallas Mavericks have a talented young player in Cooper Flagg, and his future looks bright. With his historic rookie season and his ability to win awards in consecutive years, he is sure to be a star in the NBA for years to come.