Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg is projected to be among the best players during the 2025-26 season by an ESPN panel of more than 150 reporters, analysts and editors.
The group ranked the top 100 players based on their projected stats for the upcoming campaign, taking into account both the quality and quantity of their contributions. The first 50 players were unveiled on Tuesday, with the remaining list to be released on Wednesday and Thursday.
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Flagg was ranked No. 52 by the panel, ahead of the likes of Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (No. 54), Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (No. 57), Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (No. 60) and New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (No. 61).
Mavs coach Jason Kidd plans to give the 6-foot-9 Flagg plenty of opportunity to prove that he can flourish as a point forward. Kidd took a similar approach with a young Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, but the Greek Freak wasn’t surrounded by 30-something future Hall of Famers the way Flagg will be in Dallas.
Flagg played two games with the Mavericks in the NBA Summer League, averaging 20.5 points, five rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals on 35.7% shooting from the field. He produced 31 points and four rebounds in his final appearance on July 12.
The 18-year-old is highly regarded because of his size, athleticism and potential to impact games on both ends of the court. He is projected to start and could have the potential to have a productive season, making him the front-runner to win Rookie of the Year.
Kidd said the team will ask a lot of Flagg to maximize his development on the court. The organization is hopeful that Flagg can have a smooth transition to the NBA and make significant contributions, starting with training camp on Sept. 30.
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This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Mavs news: Cooper Flagg ranked among top players by ESPN for 2025-26