Cooper Flagg's historic sophomore leap still isn't getting enough attention

Cooper Flagg's start for the Dallas Mavericks this season should be one of the top stories in the NBA.

He's averaging 25.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 2.2 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 50 percent from the field. The 19-year-old sophomore has taken a significant leap since last season, as his playmaking, shot creation, and overall defensive impact have all improved.

Cooper Flagg's historic start is getting lost in the mix

The second-year player is quietly putting himself in the MVP race just three weeks into the 2026-27 season, but he isn't getting the hype he deserves. Instead, the top stories have been the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown beef, Luka Doncic's historic start, and the league-wide injury bug.

While all of these deserve attention, they don't deserve to put Flagg's success on the back burner. He's putting up numbers that only all-time greats have produced, all before turning 20 years old.

Flagg made history against the Pacers

After Monday night's 43-point game against the Indiana Pacers, Flagg became the only player in NBA history to drop five 40-point games as a teenager. He also tied LeBron James for the most games scoring 35 or more points in NBA history with seven, and joined Kevin Durant as the only teenager in NBA history to have 40+ points, 10+ rebounds, and five or more assists in a game.

It's not normal for a 19-year-old to be playing like this, and the Mavericks have found the perfect franchise cornerstone. He was exactly who Dallas needed after trading Luka in 2025, as he has helped bring joy back to Mavs basketball.

Flagg is becoming one of the best clutch players in the league

He defends, gets his teammates involved, attacks the basket relentlessly, and shows up in the biggest moments. Dallas' clutch woes from a season ago taught Flagg how to step up his game in the fourth quarter, and the numbers back up how unstoppable he's been at the end of games.

Despite playing in just four clutch games, Cooper is second in the NBA in clutch field goals made (11). What's even more impressive is that he's shooting 11-of-13 (84.6 percent) on these shots. He has been extremely efficient when the game is on the line, and he's a big reason that the Mavs are 3-1 in clutch games after going 17-28 in the clutch last season.

Flagg's leap should have the entire league on notice

His ability to rise up over defenders and hit tough shots from the mid-range is turning into one of his best skills, and his scoring off the dribble has taken a noticeable uptick. He is showing real potential that he can become an elite offensive engine, and his time isn't coming, it's now.

Flagg's improvement, combined with his chemistry with Kyrie Irving, has helped lead Dallas to a 7-4 record (7-2 when Irving and Flagg play together), and the hype surrounding Coop should only grow if Dallas keeps winning. The young forward may not be getting the recognition he deserves right now, but if he keeps this up, he could become an All-NBA player in just his second season.

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