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Cooper Flagg Wins Rookie of the Year in One of NBA’s Closest Votes

The tight result shows how late surges or recent slumps can sway a media ballot.

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Apr 12, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) limps off the floor during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 27: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on March 27, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The NBA named Flagg the 2025-26 winner on Monday with a 412–386 edge and a 56–44 first-place split from a 100-member media panel.
  • Flagg averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 70 games and became the first rookie since Michael Jordan to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists and steals.
  • His April surge featured a 51-point game that made him the youngest player to score 50, part of a 96-point two-game run that sharpened his case.
  • Kon Knueppel set the rookie record with 273 made threes and helped Charlotte reach 44 wins, though play-in struggles reportedly weighed on some ballots.
  • VJ Edgecombe finished third with 96 points, and Flagg became the Mavericks’ third Rookie of the Year, signaling a new franchise centerpiece in Dallas.