All articles tagged with #cooper flagg
SB Nation ranks the 12 best rookies of the 2025-26 season, led by Kon Knueppel’s league-leading shooting and playmaking, with Cooper Flagg a standout No. 2 who could still win Rookie of the Year; the list also highlights diverse strengths from Hugo Gonzalez’s defense to Dylan Harper’s rim finishing, showcasing a strong, versatile 2025 draft class.
Kon Knueppel remains the Kia Rookie Ladder leader in a tightening ROY race, edging ahead of Cooper Flagg thanks to durability and Charlotte’s stronger win total, while Knueppel’s deep shooting and efficiency keep him ahead (he’s leading in 3-pointers and flirting with 50/40/90-level accuracy). VJ Edgecombe stays third; Dylan Harper and Derik Queen sit 4th and 5th, with other rookies like Ryan Nembhard and Hugo González making notable contributions as voters prepare for ROY decisions in about six weeks (stats through March 3).
Kon Knueppel has delivered a more impactful rookie season for the Hornets than Cooper Flagg for the Mavericks, posting superior shooting efficiency, an elite rookie three-point rate, and strong win shares, while Flagg—though the top-two pick—has a high-usage role that hurts his efficiency. The race is razor-thin and influenced by injury and perception, but Knueppel’s all-around impact makes a case for him as RoY over the hype surrounding Flagg.
Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets climbs back to No. 1 on the Kia Rookie Ladder after reaching 201 3-pointers in 58 games, passing injured Cooper Flagg. Flagg is sidelined with a left-foot sprain, giving Knueppel space to push toward record pace and potentially join the 50/40/90 club, with a rookie rematch in Charlotte on the horizon.
Mark Cuban praised the Mavericks' trade of Anthony Davis to the Wizards, calling it 'Love it' and arguing the deal provides financial flexibility and draft assets to build around rookie Cooper Flagg, even as discussions linger about Dallas's controversial Luka Dončić deal.
Jason Kidd’s profanity-filled tirade at a postgame press conference is read as more than bravado—potentially signaling an exit from Dallas amid a rebuild and a looming GM search, with speculation he may seek a front-office role or be frustrated with the direction. The piece argues the franchise needs stability and alignment around Cooper Flagg’s development to define the next era.
Dallas coach Jason Kidd blasted critics in a fiery postgame tirade about his use of teenage rookie Cooper Flagg after a 111-107 loss to the Rockets, insisting he knows what he’s doing as Flagg continues to produce (34 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists) following a historic 49-point teen game earlier in the week. The Mavericks, 19-30 and 11th in the West, remain plagued by injuries and inconsistency, and Kidd also criticized the officiating on a late game sequence.
After the Mavericks’ 111-107 loss to the Rockets, Jason Kidd delivered a rare, expletive-filled postgame tirade criticizing officials and defending his lineup choices, including Cooper Flagg’s role at point guard. The explosive remarks, which could draw a roughly $25,000 fine, come amid a frustrating season and ongoing questions about team alignment and leadership with Luka Doncic.
Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd dismissed critics of using 19-year-old Cooper Flagg as his rookie-year point guard, saying critics don’t know the game and his decision will make him better; Flagg has delivered two standout games, including a teenager-record 49-point effort and a 34-point, 12-rebound performance that helped him post back-to-back 30-point double-doubles, even as Dallas suffered its fourth straight loss.
Cooper Flagg erupted for 49 points, setting the NBA's teen scoring record, but the Mavericks fell to the Charlotte Hornets in Dallas.
Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg scored 49 points to set the NBA’s teen scoring record, breaking Cliff Robinson’s 45, in a 123-121 loss to Charlotte and surpassing the Mavericks’ franchise rookie scoring mark previously held with Mark Aguirre. Teammate-turned-rival Kon Knueppel added 34 and drilled the late free throws that sealed his own franchise rookie record; the two Duke alums, No. 1 and No. 4 picks, are set to meet again in March.
Cooper Flagg scored 49 points, the most by a teenager in NBA history and the Mavericks’ franchise rookie record, in a 123-121 loss to Charlotte; Duke teammate Kon Knueppel added 34 for the Hornets, setting a Hornets rookie 3-pointers record and sealing the win with two free throws with 4.1 seconds left. The duo, former Blue Devils roommates, became the first pair of opposing rookies from the same college to each score 30+ in the same game.
Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg erupted for 49 points to set the NBA teen scoring mark and break the Mavericks’ franchise rookie record (the latter held by Mark Aguirre, whose jersey was retired at halftime), but ex‑Duke teammate Kon Knueppel answered with a career‑high 34 and hit two late free throws to lift Charlotte past Dallas 123–121. The two top ROY candidates each finished the night among the leaders in rookie scoring, and they’ll meet again March 3 in Charlotte.
19-year-old Cooper Flagg exploded for 49 points and 10 rebounds in the Mavericks' 123-121 loss to the Hornets, setting the NBA's all-time scoring record for a teenager and breaking Dallas' rookie single-game mark; he joined LeBron James and Anthony Edwards as teens with multiple 40-point games, and he became the first rookie since Michael Jordan to post a 49-point, 10-rebound game, though Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel spoiled the night with 34.
Four Rising Stars teams were formed for 2026 by NBA legends Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady. Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks was the top pick, with Kon Knueppel (Hornets) and V.J. Edgecombe (Sixers) also among notable G League selections. Flagg is posting strong numbers (18.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.3 SPG), while Knueppel (18.7 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 42.2% 3PT) and Edgecombe (15.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.1 APG, 36.4% 3PT) have the Hornets and 76ers looking to capitalize on their development in the event.