Thanks to consistently improving play, Dallas Mavericks star rookie Cooper Flagg recently moved into the top spot on NBA.com’s weekly rookie ladder. But, where does he rank on ESPN’s list of the top 25 NBA players under 25 years old?
Flagg didn’t get the top spot on that list. That distinction went to San Antonio Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama, and deservedly so. But, Flagg still received a ranking that is pretty favorable.
Cooper Flagg ranked as 9th-best NBA player under 25 by ESPN
Flagg came in at No. 9 on ESPN’s list, directly behind Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley and directly ahead of Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren. Flagg is the highest-ranked rookie on the list. Other rookies on the list include Kon Knueppel, Dylan Harper and V.J. Edgecombe.
From ESPN:
“After some early-season handwringing about Flagg's initial performances -- he was playing out of position at point guard on a team with hardly any shooting around him and with plenty of drama -- things have looked far different once Flagg switched back to his combo forward role. He's putting up stat lines that are only comparable to LeBron James among 18 year olds in NBA history. Dallas is going to be just fine as the Flagg era takes hold in the Metroplex.”
In 25 appearances for the Mavericks so far this season, Flagg is averaging 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1,3 rebounds per performance. His promising, productive play has justified Dallas' decision to select him with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
It's a down season in Dallas, as the organization is still reeling from the Luka Doncic trade last season. But with Flagg on the roster, there's at least a reason for optimism for Mavericks fans.