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Cooper Flagg drew high praise from Mavericks HC Jason Kidd

The 2025-2026 NBA season didn’t go the way that the Dallas Mavericks imagined, but at least their No. 1 overall selection in Cooper Flagg lived up to the hype in year one.

On Monday, April 27, the NBA announced that Cooper Flagg is the winner of the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award. He was in a tight race all season long against his former Duke teammate, Kon Knueppel.

While the Charlotte Hornets sharpshooter had a lot of support leading up to the voting process, Flagg’s early resume was too good for voters to overlook.

via NBA PR: Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg has been named the 2025-26 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year, earning the Wilt Chamberlain Trophy.

The Dallas Mavericks rookie finished with 412 total points in voting. He landed 56 votes for first place, 44 for second, and zero for third.

Knueppel wrapped up with 44 votes for first, 55 votes for second, and just one vote for third place. VJ Egdecombe of the Philadelphia 76ers finished in third place with 96 points. San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper wrapped up with five points, while Memphis Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward had one point.

Cooper Flagg Makes NBA History

GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 29: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks leaves the court following a game against the Indiana Pacers at American Airlines Center on October 29, 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)

via NBA PR: Cooper Flagg joined Michael Jordan as the only rookies to lead their team in total points, rebounds, assists and steals since steals were first recorded in 1973-74. Flagg is the second-youngest Kia NBA Rookie of the Year winner, behind only LeBron James.

In 70 games during the 2025-2026 NBA season, Cooper Flagg averaged 33.5 minutes per game. He shot 46.8% from the field and hit on 29.5% of his threes.

GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – DECEMBER 23: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after scoring a three point basket during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Center on December 23, 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

The Mavericks’ rookie produced averages of 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals.

Dallas finished the year outside of the NBA Play-In picture. Flagg led his team to a 26-56 record. Although he was initially expected to play through the year with Anthony Davis and eventually Kyrie Irving, the rookie forward ended up spending most of the season as the focal point of the squad.

Flagg has been rewarded for his efforts. Now, it’s up to the Mavericks to surround him with the right pieces.