Cooper Flagg is named the 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year.

Flagg averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 70 games this season. The 19-year forward becomes just the third player in franchise history to earn the honor, joining his head coach Jason Kidd (1994-95) and Luka Dončić (2018-19). At just 19 years and 112 days old at the season’s end, Flagg became the second youngest recipient in NBA history, trailing on LeBron James.

“This is a truly great honor,” Flagg stated. “I’m grateful to receive this award and thankful to everyone in the Mavericks organization who believed in me from day one. None of this happens without my teammates, coaches and the people around me pushing me every day. I came here to compete and help this team win. This is just step forward in what we’re building.”

The 6’9″ rookie became just the third rookie in the past 45 years to average at least 20 points, six rebounds and four assists, joining Michael Jordan and Dončić. Flagg also provide to be his most complete player in his class, finishing top five among rookies in every major statistical category: first ini scoring, second in assists and steals, fourth in rebounding and fifth in blocks.

Flagg led Mavs in total points, rebounds, assist and steals, becoming the only player in the NBA to lead his team in all four categories. He also joined Jordan as the only rookies in league history to accomplish this. After the All-Star break, Flagg elevated his play, averaging 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists.

Flagg led all rookies in 25-point, 30-point. 35-point, 40-point, 45-point and 50-point games. Flagg’s season was filled with hisstoric milestones, the Rookie of the Year race was far from uncontested. For much of the season, the race remained tight between Flagg and Kon Knueppel, who finished second. Flagg’s all-around impact, defensive pretense and the big games to end the season wrapped up the vote for him.

Flagg’s award signals more than just individual success. It marks a beginning of a new era built around a generational talent already making history.