Eye-popping stat proves Cooper Flagg was completely screwed out of major rookie honor

Only three rookies have made the All-Star game in the last 25 years, with Tim Duncan, Yao Ming, and Blake Griffin being the only ones to do so. One eye-popping stat shows that Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg should've easily made the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

Cooper Flagg is one of only 10 players in the NBA averaging 20 or more points, six or more rebounds, and four or more assists. The other players on the list, you may guess? All of them are or have been All-Stars and some NBA greats. Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic were on that list. The Mavs can acknowledge that any rookie making the All-Star game is tough. As we just pointed out, it's only been done three times in the last 25 years.

Flagg has already gotten reps with some of the NBA greats. He was already practicing with Team USA's Summer Olympics roster at 17 years old, before he was a student at Duke. After initially being snubbed from Team USA's projected Olympic roster for 2028, it's safe to say he probably has a spot for the time being.

Cooper Flagg's All-Star case was undeniable

At one point, the Duke rookie garnered more votes than Devin Booker, who actually made the All-Star game. Flagg also had more votes than Lauri Markkanen and Jimmy Butler. He's had countless games where he's proven to be in the moment, and even Jason Kidd was hopeful that he was going to play in the game.

Flagg has already been making history in his first NBA season. He also broke the Mavericks' franchise rookie scoring record and became the youngest player in league history to record 40+ points and 10+ rebounds in a game. His rookie battle with fellow Duke star Kon Knueppel was one of the more entertaining battles of the season. Even though it ended in a loss for Dallas, Flagg's performance in this game showed that he is undoubtedly the Rookie of the Year.

A rookie making the All-Star Game is rare in itself, but if we look at what Flagg has done this season, it's not extreme to say that he should've been an All-Star. We'll never know what he could've done in the Rising Stars Challenge, as Flagg has been dealing with a midfoot sprain. Fortunately, Flagg should be able to return at some point soon.

Flagg has been compared to the likes of LeBron James, meaning the Mavs have a rare gem that they need to take care of. Whether it's Matt Riccardi, Michael Finley, or someone else, they will have the easiest negotiation meeting of all time when Flagg's extension conversation takes place. There's no Nico Harrison to worry about to make what would be an even bigger Luka Doncic mistake.

If healthy, Flagg should be a clear-cut All-Star for next season, but Flagg might've been the closest to Blake Griffin to make the game. Even if he didn't, Flagg doesn't care. He's focusing on getting better as time passes. If time does its thing and Flagg makes the impact that he's projected to make, he will no doubt be a multiple-time All-Star in no time.