\u2014 NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Flagg has blossomed every since they started playing a real point guard alongside him, as he doesn’t have nearly as many playmaking and ball handling responsibilities, and yet, he’s averaged more assists in this time frame. He’s just continuing to get more comfortable and more confident in his abilities. <\/p>\n The three-point shot is also finding its groove as of late, as he’s made 45.5% of his threes over the last six games. If that part of his game continues to develop, he’s going to be impossible to stop on that side of the ball. <\/p>\n Jan 1, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) attempts a jump shot against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images<\/p>\n READ MORE: Mavericks starter contradicts former GM Nico Harrison after loss to 76ers<\/a><\/p>\n Race Between Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel for Rookie of the Year<\/p>\n The 2025 rookie class has been much better than anyone was anticipating. People saw Cooper Flagg as a potential star, but it’s already much deeper and with more star power than expected, as players like Derik Queen, VJ Edgecombe, and Cedric Coward have been extremely impressive. <\/p>\n However, it’ll come down to a 2-man race to win Rookie of the Year between Flagg and Kon Knueppel, the two former Duke teammates. Knueppel is shattering rookie three-point records, and is currently on pace to finish with one of the best shooting seasons in NBA history. He’s surprised some people with his ability to score off the dribble when more people probably saw him as a purely catch-and-shoot player, and he’s also been a decent playmaker. <\/p>\n Flagg is still head-and-shoulders above Knueppel to win ROTY on FanDuel<\/a>, as Flagg has odds at -600, while Knueppel is at +500. No one else is even close, though, as Derik Queen is in third at +2500. <\/p>\n Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.<\/p>\n If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/p>\n READ MORE: 3 overreactions as 76ers sweep season series against Mavericks<\/a><\/p>\n Stick with\u00a0MavericksGameday\u00a0for more\u00a0FREE coverage of the Dallas Mavericks<\/a>\u00a0throughout the 2025-26 season<\/p>\n Follow MavericksGameday on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0and Austin Veazey on\u00a0Twitter<\/a><\/p>\n More Dallas Mavericks NewsAtlanta Hawks have ‘explored’ path to trade for Mavericks’ Anthony Davis<\/a>Rich Paul wants ‘clarity’ from Mavericks about plans for Anthony Davis<\/a>Mavericks announce season-ending news for rising young player<\/a>3 overreactions as Cooper Flagg’s brilliance leads Mavericks to win over Nuggets<\/a>![\"Dallas](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/01ke0fd2etjf20h4w088.jpg\" "\\"Dallas")
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