The Dallas Mavericks’ top overall pick has been named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year for the 2025–26 season.
Cooper Flagg received the honor after earning 56 of 100 first-place votes and 412 total points, according to the NBA. He becomes the first Mavericks player to win the award since Luka Dončić did so in the 2018–19 season.
Flagg, who was selected No. 1 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists over 70 games during his rookie campaign. He also led Dallas in total points, rebounds, assists and steals—becoming the first rookie to lead his team in all four categories since Michael Jordan in the 1984–85 season.
During the season, Flagg set another milestone by becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score at least 50 points in a game, finishing with 51 points in a matchup against the Orlando Magic in April.
He was also selected to participate in the NBA Rising Stars event during All-Star Weekend.
Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets finished second in Rookie of the Year voting with 386 points and 44 first-place votes. VJ Edgecombe of the Philadelphia 76ers placed third with 96 points.