Cooper Flagg Tops Kon Knueppel In Historically Close Rookie of the Year Vote
Cooper Flagg has been named the 2025-26 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year, becoming the first Dallas Maverick to win the award since Luka Doncic in 2019. Flagg's performance included leading all rookies in several statistical categories and achieving a historic scoring feat. Despite the Mavericks' struggles this season, Flagg's individual success offers hope for the future.
- ▪Cooper Flagg was selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft.
- ▪He became the first Maverick to win Rookie of the Year since Luka Doncic in 2019.
- ▪Flagg averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals in his rookie season.
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By Megan ArmstrongShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.The Dallas Mavericks just had a season to forget for the second straight season, finishing with a 26-56 record.Dallas' undoing began with the February 2025 trade of All-NBA and All-Star guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, less than a year after reaching the NBA Finals. The Mavericks finished the 2024-25 season with a 39-43 record but lucked out in the lottery to put them in position to select Doncic's heir apparent, selecting Duke star forward Cooper Flagg at No.
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