Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg has taken an early lead in the Rookie of the Year race, according to a poll of NBA executives and coaches conducted by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.
Flagg, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, received 19 of 20 votes in the survey. The only other player to earn a vote was Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel, his former Duke teammate.
The result underscores the level of expectation surrounding Flagg, who was one of the most highly anticipated prospects to enter the league in recent memory. Only Victor Wembanyama in 2023 drew a comparable level of attention ahead of his rookie campaign.
One Western Conference assistant coach told ESPN that his vote for Knueppel was based on situation. “He’ll be on a bad team, will have the ball in his hands and put up numbers,” the coach said.
Knueppel has already made an impression, leading Charlotte to its first-ever Summer League championship and earning Finals MVP honors. His sharpshooting and offensive versatility are expected to translate quickly at the NBA level.
Still, Flagg’s combination of size, skill, and two-way ability sets him apart. At Duke last season, he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three-point range.
The 18-year-old forward now steps into a Dallas team looking to reshape its identity after trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this year. With the Mavericks entering a new era, Flagg is expected to play a central role immediately.
Historically, top picks who carry heavy expectations face significant pressure, but Flagg’s maturity and well-rounded game have fueled confidence that he can handle the transition. The ESPN poll suggests that many inside the league view him as the front-runner even before the preseason begins.
For Knueppel, the opportunity to feature heavily on a rebuilding Hornets roster may help him post strong numbers in his rookie year. His shooting touch and ability to create offense provide Charlotte with a reliable scoring option as the team continues its development.
