Cooper Flagg named a Rookie of the Year finalist after historic first season with Mavericks
Flagg was the first rookie since Michael Jordan to lead his team in total points, rebounds, assists and steals.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) celebrates with guard Brandon Williams (10) during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center on Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Dallas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News) Will a historic season end with hardware for Cooper Flagg ?
The Mavericks ' young star was officially named a Rookie of the Year finalist Sunday, a nod that was expected after he led all NBA rookies in points per game and finished in the top five in assists and rebounding. Flagg was the first rookie since Michael Jordan in the 1984-85 season to lead his team in total points, rebounds, assists and steals . The No.
1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft is joined on the ballot by former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel and VJ Edgecombe. The Charlotte Hornets' guard is expected to be Flagg's primary challenger after leading the NBA in 3-pointers made with 273. The three finalists for the 2025-26 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Award: ▪️VJ Edgecombe, @sixers ▪️Cooper Flagg, @dallasmavs ▪️Kon Knueppel, @hornets pic.
twitter. com/8G78MIQZB9 — NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 19, 2026 The NBA announced it's complete list of awards finalists on Thursday, as well as dates for the first wave of reveals . The Defensive Player of the Year and the Sixth Man Award will be announced this week, among others.