Mavericks' Cooper Flagg breaks historic records as 2026 NBA Rookie of the year winner

In the lead-up to deciding the NBA Rookie of the Year race, Flagg also notched the most points in a game by a rookie when he scored 51 points against the Orlando Magic back in April. Not to mention, he also dropped 49 points on the Hornets which had Knueppel on January.

The Mavericks star was the first teenager to score over 50 points in a game, became the first player since Michael Jordan to have multiple 45-point games as a first-year player, and was the first rookie since Walt Bellamy in 1962 to score consecutive 45+ points.

Prior to turning 19, Flagg might have already secured the NBA Rookie of the Year award too. Among 18 year-olds, he has the sole 40-point game in league history, only trails LeBron James for the most 20-point and 30-point games. Not to mention, the Mavericks star also has the second-most assists by an 18-year-old in the NBA. He notched 99 of them which trails James and is ahead of Tracy McGrady and Kobe Bryant.

When it comes to defense, Flagg has also been insane. He has the fourth-most rebounds among all 18-year-olds in the NBA which is ahead of Dwight Howard. He is also fifth in steals in the same category, only behind McGrady, James, Bryant, and Bill Willoughby.

All of these are insane numbers that Flagg broke to beat Knueppel in the NBA Rookie of the Year race. He will do great in the association.

More Mavericks News:

1. Mavericks' Cooper Flagg gets sweeping NBA Rookie of the Year declaration

2. Cooper Flagg, Jason Kidd reveal Mavericks' NBA rebuilding X Factor

3. Mavericks' Jason Kidd gets real on Cooper Flagg-LeBron James comparison