NEW ORLEANS — One of the most remarkable runs in NBA history has come to an end.
Cooper Flagg is no longer 18 years old. The sensational Mavericks rookie turned 19 on Sunday, completing a prolific chapter in his early NBA career that rivals some of the greatest to pick up a basketball.
Flagg broke several records and joined multiple lists full of elite players during his first two months with the Mavericks. By scoring a career-high 42 points against the Utah Jazz, Flagg became the only player in NBA history to score at least 40 points at that age. With that feat, he also tied the rookie record for the most points in a single game, previously achieved by Mark Aguirre.
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What Flagg accomplished at the age of 18 is astonishing, considering the company he joined by doing so. He finished with 526 points before his 19th birthday, which ranked third in total points by an 18-year-old behind LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. He’s also the youngest player to record at least 10 assists, which occurred Nov. 28 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Earlier this month, he earned his first piece of NBA hardware when he was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for October and November.
“It’s definitely pretty cool. I’m just blessed,” Flagg said of his award-winning stretch.
The NBA may be new for Flagg, but it’s become routine to see his name on trophies, plaques and certificates throughout his basketball career. He racked up enough accolades to fill a trophy case during his lone season at Duke and his high school career at Nokomis (Newport, Maine) and Montverde Academy.
Cooper Flagg, right, poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks In the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York.
Adam Hunger / AP
Before he even stepped foot on the court at American Airlines Center, Flagg made history in June when he shook the hand of NBA commissioner Adam Silver, becoming the second-youngest No. 1 overall pick after James.
That milestone was just the beginning for the youngest player in the NBA who’s joined James, the oldest player in the league, in several historic stats.
Flagg recorded his first career 20-point double-double on Friday against Detroit and his 12th career 20-point game on Saturday against Philadelphia. Excluding LeBron James (14), Flagg has more 20-point games than every other 18-year-old in NBA history combined.
By scoring 24 points on Saturday, Flagg recorded his fourth consecutive game of at least 24 points. The only other 18-year-old to achieve the feat was James in December of 2003. And while he didn’t finish with as many points as Bryant or James did at that age, the company he keeps indicates the potential of a limitless career.
Flagg is averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.2 steals through 28 games of his rookie season. That line alone shows how versatile a player he is, and there have been several examples of the Mavericks’ rookie showcasing his two-way skillset this season. His biggest area of growth remains 3-point shooting. He’s shooting on a 23.4% clip, but he’s learned to prioritize his strengths — getting to the basket and his midrange game.
What may be an overlooked part of his game is his ability to convert in clutch time. He’s fourth in the NBA in clutch points (62). His most notable moments in the clutch occurred when he scored a layup over Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo on Nov. 10, and more recently, his two consecutive clutch midrange shots over fierce rim protector Isaiah Stewart in Friday’s win over Detroit.
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Another underrated intangible for Flagg has proved to be his durability. He’s only missed one game this season because of an illness, but he’s played through minor injuries such as a thumb splint and soreness in his left shoulder and left ankle, a sign of his desire to compete no matter the circumstances.
When asked about Flagg’s competitiveness, Naji Marshall ended his response with a phrase worthy of being printed on a T-shirt.
“Pledge allegiance to the Flagg, man,” Marshall said.
Flagg could miss his first game as a 19-year-old, as he is listed as questionable for Monday’s game against New Orleans because of a back contusion.
With significant showdowns against Denver on Tuesday and Golden State on Christmas Day approaching, perhaps Flagg has earned an opportunity to rest his body.
“He’s playing high-level basketball at the age of 18,” Kidd said. “Through Duke and his first couple of weeks here, he’s been playing extremely well and we believe at the age of 19, it’s just going to get better.”
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