Cooper Flagg Ends Rookie Year in Michael Jordan Territory

Cooper Flagg completes his rookie season mirroring only that of NBA legend, Michael Jordan.

Cooper Flagg Ends Rookie Year in Michael Jordan Territory

Cooper Flagg (Image credits: FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Cooper Flagg had a historic rookie season, leading the Mavericks in points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
  • He is the first rookie since Michael Jordan to achieve this feat, joining him in elite company.
  • Despite his individual success, the Mavericks finished 12th in the Western Conference, missing the playoffs.

There is no doubt that Cooper Flagg is a promising talent. He has taken the league by storm in his rookie season in the NBA. When he was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks as the number one pick in the 2025 NBA draft, they were looking for the future face of the franchise after trading Luka Doncic at the trade deadline last year.

The early signs have been promising so far. Flagg had a rookie season for the ages. It was one of the most complete rookie seasons in recent memory as he led his team in total points, rebounds, assists, and steals. He is the first rookie since Michael Jordan in the 1984-85 season to top his team in all four categories.

The 19-year-old has been phenomenal in what has otherwise been a difficult 2025-26 campaign for the Mavs. With Kyrie Irving ruled out for the entire campaign due to an ACL tear he suffered last year, and with Anthony Davis being traded to the Washington Wizards at the trade deadline, Cooper Flagg has had to shoulder most of the burden this season.

Being in the same sentence as Michael Jordan is a privilege for any basketball player, let alone a rookie. Flagg has broken several records in his rookie season and also became the youngest player in NBA history to score 50 points in a game.

His potential and performances this season have led many to believe that he is the next white American superstar since Larry Bird. Flagg has quickly emerged as the clear centerpiece of the team’s future.

Fans react to Cooper Flagg’s historic rookie season numbers

Michael Jordan had one of the greatest rookie seasons in NBA history, which makes Cooper Flagg’s numbers even more remarkable. He showed growth during the season as well.

Following the historic rookie numbers that have put him in the same territory as Jordan, NBA fans were quick to react across social media.

Fans lauded Flagg’s impressive stats for the Mavs. Many believe the 19-year-old is destined for greatness and is a future superstar of the league.

Cooper Flagg will remember losing the most from his rookie year

While Cooper Flagg has been a bright spark this season, the Mavs as a whole have had a poor season. The Mavs are out of playoff contention as they finished at 12th place in the Western Conference standings with a 26-56 record.

Mavs have to build around Cooper Flagg
Mavs have to build around Cooper Flagg (Image via Sean Davi/X)

In his recent press conference, Flagg said he will remember losing the most from his rookie year.

You know, I’ve definitely learned how to take a lot of the positives away, even when you are losing. You’ve got to be able to take the positives away and learn and grow from all the experiences and not just take away the negative.

Cooper Flagg on the challenges of losing the most he ever has in his life

The Mavs will hope for a much better showing next season once Irving returns. Flagg will be expected to make a significant leap in his game and be an All-Star. He ended his 2025-26 campaign averaging 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals in 70 appearances.

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