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Cooper Flagg Becomes Third 18-Year-Old With 500 NBA Points, Joining LeBron and Kobe

A role change that shifted him off the ball has driven a December scoring jump.

Overview

  • Per StatMuse, the Mavericks rookie has surpassed 500 career points before turning 19, a feat previously achieved only by LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.
  • Flagg recently scored 42 in a 140-133 overtime loss in Utah, breaking James’ 22-year-old record for most points in a game by an 18-year-old.
  • Dallas moved a traditional point guard into the starting lineup on Nov. 5, and Flagg’s production and efficiency rose in the ensuing stretch.
  • After the change, his scoring climbed from 13.6 to 20.2 points per game with true shooting rising from 50.4% to 57.2% as the team offensive rating improved from 103.6 to 111.
  • Comparisons to James’ rookie season note Flagg’s slightly better scoring efficiency and similar defensive stats, with James holding the edge as a passer; Flagg turns 19 within days after accelerating his career by skipping a year of high school.