Cooper Flagg Re-Emerges As the Early Rookie of the Year Favorite

Rookie Cooper Flagg is already showing why he is going to problem in the NBA for the foreseeable future. The Dallas Mavericks’ rookie delivered one of his most complete performances of the season in a recent win over the Houston Rockets, producing 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block. It wasn’t just another encouraging night. Instead, it felt like confirmation of a breakout taking hold.

Rockets forward Kevin Durant definitely sees it. The 14-time All-Star praised the 19-year-old with a level of detail that suggests he has been watching closely.

“Just from watching his film, he’s finally figuring it out,” Durant said. “They’re also doing a good job of taking him off the ball some and letting [Ryan] Nembhard and Brandon Williams control the game and he can just float around and be an all-around player. When you play him at the point, I feel like you’re limiting his game. He’s playing a well-rounded game. He can shoot the jump shot off the middy, he can shoot the 3, he can get to the rim. I love his game.”

Praise like that from Durant, one of the most gifted scorers the league has ever seen, rarely comes this early for a rookie. Yet Flagg’s evolving role explains why the respect is arriving fast.

Dallas Finally Found Flagg’s Role

GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – DECEMBER 03: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts to a turnover during the second half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Center on December 03, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

The Mavericks opened the season treating Flagg like a jumbo point guard, testing how much creation responsibility he could handle in the absence of star guard Kyrie Irving. That approach slowed down the offense and prevented him from playing instinctively. Eventually, Dallas pivoted, and the change unlocked everything.

Now Flagg is operating off the ball, cutting, defending multiple positions, and attacking in rhythm rather than on command. As a result, he looks much closer to the dynamic forward scouts projected years ago. He’s also quickly re-established himself as the clear betting favorite for Rookie of the Year at -140 (DraftKings) and -150 (FanDuel).

His production backs up the odds. Flagg is averaging 17.3 points per game, and he has shot above 50 percent in seven of his last 12 games. Additionally, he has crossed the 60 percent mark four times in that span. His mid-range game is already an asset, hitting those attempts at 46 percent, good for the 84th percentile.

CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn captured his value well noting the early defensive impact of Flagg on a roster that has positive defensive personnel, but has struggled with staying healthy.

“Flagg is an essential component of the No. 7 defense in basketball, one that has had practically no other front court players on the court consistently,” Quinn wrote. “Daniel Gafford, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively, the monstrous rim-protecting trio that was supposed to power this unit, has played 32 of a possible 75 games thus far. But Flagg has sat just once.”

Dallas never expected the teenager to stabilize its frontcourt. Simply just to be a complement defender and play finisher next to Anthony Davis. Nevertheless, he has done exactly that.

A Rookie Thriving Under Pressure

GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – DECEMBER 03: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks walks backcourt during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Center on December 03, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Where Flagg truly separates himself is in the clutch. Because the Mavericks have played 16 clutch games, he has seen a large volume of high-pressure possessions. Rather than shrinking, he has thrived.

His 52 clutch points rank fourth in the league.
– His 71.3 clutch minutes trail only Tyrese Maxey’s 75.6.
– His 59.3% clutch field-goal percentage ranks second among the Top 20 clutch scorers, behind only Anthony Edwards (66.7%).
– His 20 clutch rebounds place him second behind Josh Giddey (21).

Those are winning-time numbers, not rookie numbers.

Ultimately, it took a positional adjustment, growing confidence, and the natural learning curve of an NBA season. However, Cooper Flagg now looks like the foundational talent many projected him to be. He has efficiency, defensive impact, late-game poise, and rapidly rising trust within Dallas’ system. He’s no longer chasing Rookie of the Year. He’s leading the charge.

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