Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg has won the 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year award, edging Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel in one of the closest races for the honour in recent decades.

The 19-year-old was announced Monday as the winner of the Wilt Chamberlain Trophy, becoming the third player in Mavericks history to receive the award. Luka Doncic won it in 2019, while Jason Kidd shared the honour with Grant Hill in 1995.

Flagg Beats Former Duke Teammate in Close Vote

Flagg received 56 first-place votes and finished with 412 total points from a global media panel of 100 voters. Knueppel, his former Duke teammate and college roommate, placed second with 44 first-place votes and 386 points. Philadelphia’s VJ Edgecombe, who played college basketball at Baylor, finished third with 96 points.

After the announcement, Flagg described the moment as surreal and said Rookie of the Year is an award every first-year player hopes to earn.

Strong Individual Season Despite Dallas Struggles

Flagg entered the NBA as the No. 1 overall draft pick after being named national college player of the year at Duke. He quickly became the focal point of opposing defensive plans during a difficult season for Dallas.

In 70 games, Flagg averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals and nearly one block per game. He also joined Michael Jordan as the only rookies since the 1973-74 season to lead their teams in total points, rebounds, assists and steals.

Knueppel averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists for Charlotte. Edgecombe posted averages of 16 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists for Philadelphia.

Friendship With Knueppel Remained Strong

Although Flagg and Knueppel competed for the same award, Flagg said he followed Knueppel’s rookie season because of their close relationship, not simply because of the race.

The two built a strong bond at Duke, and Flagg said they will continue supporting each other throughout their careers.

Mavericks’ Poor Record Was the Main Knock

The biggest argument against Flagg was Dallas’ 26-56 record. The Mavericks declined by 13 wins from the previous season and recorded their worst finish since 2017-18.

Dallas also suffered its second 50-loss season in the last 25 years. Still, Flagg’s development gave the franchise a major bright spot after Luka Doncic’s departure.

Jason Kidd Helped Speed Up Flagg’s Growth

During Monday’s broadcast, Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady credited Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd for accelerating Flagg’s development by giving him major offensive responsibility, including time at point guard.

Flagg also praised Kidd, saying the coach’s understanding of the game and willingness to guide him helped him learn quickly during his first NBA season.

Flagg Finished the Season With Elite Rookie Production

Flagg led all rookies in several major scoring categories. He had the most rookie games with at least 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 points.

After returning from a midseason midfoot sprain, Flagg became more aggressive offensively. He increased his shot attempts, attacked the free-throw line more often and closed the season with an outstanding April, averaging 29.2 points per game. His best performance came against the Orlando Magic, when he scored a career-high 51 points.

Flagg’s 21-point scoring average was the highest by a rookie since Victor Wembanyama in the 2023-24 season. Among the last 15 Rookie of the Year winners, only Wembanyama, Paolo Banchero and Doncic also averaged at least 20 points.

Mavericks to Hold News Conference

Across 70 games, Flagg ranked first among rookies in field goals attempted and made, free throws attempted and made, and assists, tied with Ryan Nembhard. He also finished second among rookies in total points and third in rebounds and steals.

Flagg is the first Mavericks player to win a postseason individual award since Doncic earned Western Conference Finals MVP in 2024.

The Mavericks are scheduled to hold a news conference with Flagg in Dallas on Wednesday.