Mavericks' Jason Kidd reacts to Cooper Flagg winning Rookie of Year
Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd on Tuesday expressed his excitement about forward Cooper Flagg winning the 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year award. Flagg secured 56 first-place votes and finished with 412 total points from a global panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters. He narrowly topped Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (386 points), the second-smallest margin of victory under the current voting format (2002-03).
The No. 1 overall pick became the third player in franchise history to win, joining Luka Donฤiฤ (2018-19) and Kidd (1994-95), who shared the award with Grant Hill. Kidd often advocated for Flagg to win throughout the season and congratulated him on X.
Thrilled to see @Cooper_Flagg recognized with the @NBA Rookie of the Year award. Your feel for and commitment to the game are truly special. Congratulations and enjoy this moment.
This is just the beginning. pic. twitter.
com/U411mOnni8 โ Jason Kidd (@RealJasonKidd) April 28, 2026 Flagg averaged 21 points, 6. 7 rebounds, 4. 5 assists and 1.