Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg exploded for 49 points on Thursday night against the Charlotte Hornets, and the entire basketball world took note.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst went as far as to compare Flagg to LeBron James on Friday during a TV appearance. Windhorst also mentioned Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama as players that impressed him as teenagers in the same vein as Flagg.
Ultimately, Windhorst concluded that Flagg and James are in another league.
“When it comes to the way Cooper Flagg can control the game at both ends of the floor, the only one he compares to is LeBron,” Windhorst said.
Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2025 NBA Draft, has delivered an exceptional rookie season through late January. In 44 games (all starts), the 19-year-old forward has averaged 19.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game, shooting 48.2 percent from the field, 29 percent from three, and 80.1 percent from the free-throw line over 33.9 minutes per game.
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He ranks among the league’s top rookies in scoring and all-around production, leading the class in several categories and earning consistent praise for his two-way impact.
Flagg’s stat line against Charlotte was unreal: 49 points (20-29 FG, 3-5 3PT, 6-6 FT), plus 10 rebounds, three assists, and one block in a 123-121 loss. This set the NBA record for points by a teenager, surpassing previous marks, and broke the Mavericks’ rookie scoring record.
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Flagg briefly missed one game due to left ankle management but returned immediately, showing durability. Flagg is competing closely with fellow rookie Kon Knueppel (his former Duke teammate) for Rookie of the Year honors.
Featured image via Jerome Miron/Imagn Images
