Cooper Flagg Wins 2026 NBA Rookie of Year
PUBLISHED Apr 27, 2026, 11:32 PM ET
Read, Watch or Listen
Dallas: Cooper Flagg, 19, was voted the 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year on Monday after averaging 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game for the Dallas Mavericks during the 2025-26 season. Selected first overall in last year's draft, he recorded a 51-point game earlier this month and four 40-point games. Dallas announced the award amid comparisons to past rookies on Monday; finalists included Kon Knueppel and V.J. Edgecombe, with Knueppel noted for helping the Charlotte Hornets post a 25-win improvement this season. The NBA cited Flagg as the first rookie since Michael Jordan (1984-85) to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists and steals.
By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- 2025: Cooper Flagg selected first overall in the NBA Draft.
- January 2026: Flagg scored 49 points (teenage record at the time) against Charlotte.
- Early April 2026: Flagg scored a season-high 51 points against Orlando.
- Late April 2026: Flagg totaled 96 points across two games, increasing support.
- Monday (award announcement): Flagg named 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year; finalists included Kon Knueppel and V.J. Edgecombe.
News Intelligence
- Cooper Flagg's win is a testament to young talent and hard work. If you're a Mavericks fan, it's a reason to celebrate. If you're a parent, it's a great story to inspire your kids about dedication and achievement.
- Articles Published:
- 4
- Right Leaning:
- 0
- Left Leaning:
- 0
- Neutral:
- 4
- Distribution:
- Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%
Cooper Flagg benefits through award recognition, increased marketability and strengthened leadership profile; the Dallas Mavericks gain a young franchise cornerstone to build around for coming seasons.
Kon Knueppel and V.J. Edgecombe were denied the Rookie of the Year title despite strong seasons, and the Dallas Mavericks suffered a 26-56 record and missed the playoffs this season.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
No left-leaning sources found for this story.
From Center
Cooper Flagg Wins 2026 NBA Rookie of Year
The Manila times timesfreepress.com Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette 92 MooseFrom Right
No right-leaning sources found for this story.
Comments