Mavericks' daring Cooper Flagg plan could hand him Rookie of the Year

The Dallas Mavericks are heading into the 2025–26 season with many new players, but none will attract more attention than No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg. The 18-year-old forward is already expected to take on a big role, and the situation in Dallas may offer him a clear chance to win Rookie of the Year.

With Kyrie Irving out to start the season, the Mavericks need someone who can create plays, defend well, and set the tone. Flagg can do all of that. His size, skill, and versatility make him one of the most exciting rookies to enter the league in years, and his opportunity couldn’t be bigger.

Being the top pick puts Flagg in the spotlight, but playing in Dallas raises expectations even higher. If he can handle a heavier offensive load while defending different positions, he will have one of the strongest cases for Rookie of the Year in the league. This isn’t just about his potential; it’s also about his situation, and Flagg is stepping into one of the best environments any rookie could hope for.

Why Cooper Flagg's unique role will boost his Rookie of the Year odds

Flagg’s role is different from most rookies.

While many battle for minutes and touches, he will receive both immediately. Jason Kidd has hinted that the Mavericks might try jumbo lineups with Flagg as a main ball handler. At 6-foot-9, he has the vision and ball skills to play as a point forward, and Dallas is likely to test this approach often until Irving returns. That level of trust and use is very rare for an NBA rookie, especially on a team aiming for the playoffs.

Flagg’s versatility means he can impact the game in different ways. He can rebound and push the ball in transition, defend both guards and bigs, and create offense from the wing. These skills lead to solid production in the box score, and voters usually favor rookies who contribute in various areas. If he plays significant minutes as both a scorer and facilitator, his Rookie of the Year stats will follow naturally.

The Mavericks’ situation also strengthens his chances.

Unlike most top picks who join rebuilding teams, Flagg is coming into a roster designed to win now, with Anthony Davis, P.J. Washington, and Dereck Lively II in the frontcourt. If Dallas stays near the top of the standings while Flagg takes on a key role, it gives him an edge over other rookies who might score points on losing teams.

The spotlight is another factor in his favor. Dallas remains one of the league’s most talked-about teams, and every game Flagg plays will be highlighted on a national stage. A few standout performances against strong opponents could quickly shift the narrative in his favor, especially with the buzz around him as the No. 1 pick.

All these circumstances, the absence of Irving, Kidd’s readiness to use him as a playmaker, and Dallas’ push to compete, set up a unique chance for Flagg to excel. He won’t have to wait years to prove himself because the Mavericks need him to step up right away.

Ultimately, Dallas didn’t draft Cooper Flagg just to develop him slowly. They picked him because he can contribute now. If he meets the challenge, he has a real shot at being the most impactful rookie in his class and could bring home the Mavericks’ first-ever Rookie of the Year award.