Cooper Flagg's record-breaking moment propels him past Wembanyama as NBA's next face

Cooper Flagg's rookie campaign has given every indication that he’s destined for superstardom. He’s lived up to the hype and is checking all the boxes for a superstar on the rise.

His growing popularity has now reached the realm of NBA jersey sales, as the jersey he wore in the first half of his NBA debut against the San Antonio Spurs on October 22 sold in a private auction by Sotheby’s for a record $1 million.

The historic sale lends credence to the possibility that Flagg could become the next face of the NBA. His rookie season averages of 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game at 19 years old indeed look like the beginnings of a Hall of Fame career.

“The $1 million result for Cooper Flagg’s rookie debut jersey is a powerful testament to the significance collectors place on true ‘first moments’ in sport,” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles.

Flagg will challenge Wembanyama for the NBA's face of the league title

“This jersey captures the very beginning of a special career, one carrying huge expectations and excitement,” added Wachter.

Coincidentally, the San Antonio Spurs’ resident alien, Victor Wembanyama, held the previous record for a jersey sold through NBA Auctions when the jersey he wore in the second half of his NBA debut sold for $762,000 in November 2023.

Wembanyama is just 22 years old and represents the NBA’s global reach in Europe. He’s an imposing figure in the paint at 7-foot-4 and seems receptive to becoming the next face of the league. He makes his own case with averages of 24.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game in his third season.

He spoke on the subject recently in an interview and said, “Being the face of the league isn’t something that can be manufactured – maybe only to some extent. It’s only going to be the best players. So being the face of the league would just be the byproduct of their basketball level.”

A very diplomatic answer, if you will. But most of us can read between the lines. Wemby wants to take that mantle. However, Flagg’s arrival has announced a new challenger for the throne.

Wembanyama represents the globalization of the game. And he will be a great ambassador for the NBA game overseas as his career continues to progress.

But Flagg is a homegrown talent from the United States, and he has that guy-next-door relatability combined with his trademark humility that makes it hard not to root for him. It will be interesting to see how the NBA balances those interests for the betterment of the league.

The NBA is facing a significant changing of the guard in the next few years as players like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant wind down their illustrious careers. The NBA will need someone to fill that void.

Young stars like Flagg, Wemby, Anthony Edwards, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be tasked with connecting with a new generation of fans, placating old ones, and taking the NBA to new heights.

Being the face of the league will require someone with charisma, a steady head on their shoulders, and a flair for the dramatic on the basketball court. Flagg meets that criteria, and Dallas fans would be proud to see him take that title as he helps restore their franchise to prominence.

In the meantime, the NBA has a good problem on its hands.

But no matter what, Flagg will continue to be the same two-way, level-headed player we’ve seen all season. And if that propels him to be the face of the league, well, a win is a win.