Cooper Flagg pushes Mavericks past Luka Doncic remorse with latest feat

Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg likely wouldn't be on the roster right now if it weren't for the devastating trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Doncic had dealt with his share of injuries, but once he returned to the rotation, it's fair to believe he would've led Dallas back to the playoffs and thus out of the draft lottery range.

It's the lone silver lining that Mavericks fans have clung to as they make peace with the decision to part with one of the greatest players in franchise history. Now, they have another: Flagg is playing at a level no rookie since Doncic has been able to.

According to ESPN Insights, Flagg is the ninth player in NBA history and the third over the past 50 years to record at least 1,000 points, 300 rebounds, and 200 assists within their first 50 games. That alone offers reason for intrigue.

The true reason to believe the Mavericks are finally able to move on from the Doncic trade: The only other two players achieve the aforementioned feat since the NBA merger are Michael Jordan and none other than Doncic himself.

The Mavericks may never truly shake the pain of trading Doncic for what's since amounted to half a season with Anthony Davis and a follow-up trade, but Flagg has officially ushered in a new era.

Cooper Flagg joins Luka Doncic as only players since MJ with 1,000+ PTS, 300+ REB, 200+ AST in first 50 games

Though former college teammate Kon Knueppel has made things interesting, Flagg is still a heavy favorite to win Rookie of the Year. Far from a de facto leader in a weak class, Flagg has already showcased superstar potential during his debut season with the Mavericks.

Flagg is currently averaging 20.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.9 blocks, and 1.1 three-point field goals made per game on .478/.301/.807 shooting.

Flagg is one of just nine players who is currently averaging at least 20.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. Six of the other eight players were All-Stars this year, and the lone exceptions, Paolo Banchero and Julius Randle, are former All-Stars themselves.

If nothing else, Flagg's historic rookie season offers as a valid reason for Mavericks fans to believe that the front office doesn't need to search for a new franchise player to replace Doncic.

Clearly, there's reason to be saddened by what Doncic meant to the Mavericks and how unceremonious his forced departure was. Fans may even wonder if there's a world in which Doncic and Flagg ultimately became teammates.

What Flagg signals, however, is the true beginning of a new era and an expedited healing process that allows Dallas to move past remorse and into a new era.