Will Mavericks Rookie Forward Win the Rookie of the Year Race?

Cooper Flagg arrived at the NBA as the consensus first pick and immediate favorite for the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. He boasts a decorated college résumé: at Duke Blue Devils he averaged; 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game and collected National Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors. He offers: size, skill, versatility, ability to guard multiple positions, facilitate, rebound and score. Now, as he navigates his rookie season in Dallas, the question becomes: Is Cooper Flagg leading the Rookie of the Year race?

Assessing his recent performances, Cooper Flagg has quickly proven why he was the top prospect in his class. In his first stretch of NBA action, he’s averaging around 14 points, 6–7 rebounds, and steady playmaking contributions, showing the same all-around ability that made him a star at Duke. His poise and confidence against veteran defenders suggest that he’s already adjusting to the speed and physicality of the professional game. If his development continues on this trajectory, Flagg could emerge as one of the most impactful rookies of the season.

Flagg’s versatility is one of his biggest strengths. He defends multiple positions, rebounds well for a forward, and impacts the game without needing plays drawn for him. His instincts on both ends, rim contests, timely cuts, transition reads, are exactly what teams expect from elite modern forwards. While his shooting efficiency has been inconsistent, this is a common early hurdle for rookies. The important part is that Flagg continues to generate high-value opportunities and remains aggressive within the Mavericks’ system.

When comparing Flagg to the last two NBA Rookie of the Year winners, the standard is high. In 2023, Paolo Banchero averaged 20.0 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 3.7 APG, showcasing his offensive versatility and defensive ability. In 2024, Victor Wembanyama posted 21.4 PPG, 10.6 RPG, and 3.9 APG, reflecting his agility and elite rim protection skills. Both players immediately became focal points of their franchises. Flagg may not have their gaudy stat lines yet, but his two-way potential and team impact fit the profile of a rising star a few months away from a major breakout.

Though, Flagg isn’t running away with the award yet. Several first-year players are generating buzz: The most significant threat to Flagg right now is VJ Edgecombe, a dynamic guard who has shown scoring punch and defensive upside. Between his athletic burst and on-ball creation, he’s becoming a major storyline in Philadelphia. His growing confidence and expanding role in the offense suggest he’s only scratching the surface of his potential.

Right now, Cooper Flagg is absolutely one of the frontrunners. His production, versatility, and role on a competitive Mavericks team give him a strong case. However, the race is far from over. Edgecombe and several other rookies are making real noise, and consistency will determine who pulls ahead. If Flagg continues trending upward, improves his efficiency, and maintains his two-way presence, he has a legitimate chance to take home the NBA Rookie of the Year award.