Cooper Flagg averaged 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.8 blocks before recently turning 19, which compare favorably with LeBron James’ age-18 numbers (20.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.7 blocks).
He’s also up to 24.3 percent shooting on 51.8 percent shooting overall over his last 10 games, putting to rest any early concerns people may have had about Flagg. A consistent three-point shot (24.2 percent) is his only major weakness so far.
Flagg isn’t the only rookie impressing, however.
Undrafted point guard Ryan Nembhard has been a blessing for a team in desperate need of dribbling and passing. Since being inserted into the starting lineup, the 22-year-old is putting up 10.9 points, 7.0 assists and is making 48.6 percent of his threes.
Nembhard’s 5.5 assists per game for the season rank No. 1 among all rookies.