DHJ Quick Take
- The Hall of Fame Verdict: Dirk Nowitzki believes the Rookie of the Year race between Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel is “neck and neck,” suggesting the league consider a Co-Rookie of the Year award.
- Rare History: Flagg is on pace to join Michael Jordan (1984-85) as the only rookies in NBA history to lead their team in total points (1,298), rebounds (422), assists (290), and steals (77).
- The Competition: While Flagg chases history in Dallas, Kon Knueppel just set a Charlotte Hornets franchise record on Thursday night with 261 three-pointers in a season, surpassing Kemba Walker.
DALLAS — While the Dallas Mavericks’ 24-52 record has been described by franchise icon Dirk Nowitzki as “disastrous” in the standings, Cooper Flagg’s individual campaign is bordering on the miraculous.
As the season enters its final week, Flagg is on the verge of a feat even Nowitzki failed to accomplish: leading his team in total points (1,298), rebounds (422), assists (290), and steals (77). If these leads hold, Flagg will join Michael Jordan (1984-85) as the only rookies in NBA history to lead their franchise in all four major categories.
The Dirk Nowitzki Verdict
Speaking recently at Michael Finley’s charity event, Nowitzki made it clear that while the team’s record is “tough to watch,” Flagg’s growth has “exceeded expectations.”
When asked about the Rookie of the Year race between Flagg and Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel, Nowitzki suggested a throwback to the 1994-95 season when Jason Kidd and Grant Hill shared the honor.
“I’d love to see another co-Rookie of the Year like we did back in the days with Grant Hill and J-Kidd,” Nowitzki said. “Both had an incredible year. To me, when it’s all said and done, [Flagg] has a higher ceiling… I wish we could give it to both.”
Nowitzki noted that Flagg’s ability to read the game at 19 is what separates him from most prospects. “Honestly, what I saw, just the way he reads the game already at that age… I heard his work ethic is through the roof. The sky’s the limit.”
Cooper Flagg: ‘We Don’t Talk About It’
Despite the high-level endorsements and the looming Jordan comparison, Flagg remains insulated from the hype. Asked whether he and Knueppel talk about the race, Flagg’s answer came without hesitation.
“We don’t talk about Rookie of the Year at all,” he said. “Not at all.”
The two former Blue Devils remain in constant contact, but their conversations are strictly supportive. On Thursday night, while Dallas was preparing for the Magic, Knueppel was making his own history in Charlotte, hitting his 261st three-pointer of the season to break Kemba Walker‘s franchise record.
“I’ve definitely kept in touch with him throughout the whole year,” Flagg said. “That’s one of my brothers, and he’ll be one of my best friends the rest of my life. We’ve stayed connected and shared thoughts on things we see in our own individual games… That brotherhood and relationship is never going to die.”
Finding the Rhythm Again
Flagg’s historic statistical pace was nearly derailed by a left midfoot sprain in February that sidelined him for eight games. The injury cost him momentum, but his recent play suggests the “rhythm” is back.
“I thought before I got hurt, I had an incredible rhythm,” Flagg said. “When I came back, it’s tough just getting your foot back in. But I feel like lately I’ve started to get that rhythm back a little bit. My teammates have done a great job helping me, being supportive.”
Head coach Jason Kidd has framed Flagg’s late-season surge in leadership terms.
“He’s our leader,” Kidd said. “For him to set the tone… it just shows great leadership and poise. Being able to do it on both ends is big for a rookie.”
The Organization’s Priority
With only five games remaining in the 2025-26 campaign, the Mavericks have made Flagg’s development and accolades a stated organizational priority. It is a partnership, Flagg says, that he feels every day at the practice facility.
“I’ve felt the support the whole year, and I think they’ve put me in incredible positions to succeed out there,” Flagg said. “I think that’s what it comes down to — just me going out there and being myself. If I go out there and be myself, I can kind of drown out the pressure and whatever other people are saying, and everything else will work itself out.”
Whether the voters align with Jason Kidd’s “not even close” stance or Dirk Nowitzki’s “co-winner” suggestion, Flagg’s rookie season has already secured its place next to Michael Jordan in the record books. For a franchise in transition, that remains the ultimate “sigh of relief.”
More Dallas Mavericks Coverage Before Orlando Magic Matchup
- Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson And Naji Marshall Return vs. Orlando Magic; Three Dallas Mavericks Doubtful
- ‘He’s Given Me That Confidence’: Cooper Flagg Credits Jason Kidd For Playmaking Evolution
- ‘Mentally Taxing’: Cooper Flagg Opens Up On Weight Of Losing Dallas Mavericks Season
- Dallas Mavericks’ Jason Kidd Responds To Mark Cuban’s Latest Comments On Luka Dončić Trade: ‘When Are We Going To Move On?’
- ‘Guys Aren’t On The Same Page’: Cooper Flagg Posts 12th Double-Double As Dallas Mavericks Lose 123-99 To Milwaukee Bucks, Injuries Pile Up
- ‘They Were Physical With Coop’: How Minnesota Handed Cooper Flagg One Of His Toughest Rookie Games
- ‘He Was Hunting’: How Cooper Flagg Reclaimed Rhythm To Snap Dallas Mavericks’ Skid In Portland
- ‘We Don’t Talk About Rookie Of The Year’: Cooper Flagg And Kon Knueppel Keep Duke Brotherhood Above The Race
- Dallas Mavericks Coach Jason Kidd Calls Cooper Flagg The ‘Clear-Cut’ NBA Rookie Of The Year
