It has been years since an NBA rookie managed to break through into the All-Star Game, with Blake Griffin standing as the last to do it back in 2011.
As this season unfolds, attention naturally turns to whether the Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg has a realistic shot at joining that exclusive club.
Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News examines the idea, emphasizing that Flagg’s presence during All-Star Weekend is already secured through the Rising Stars showcase, even as talk grows about something bigger.
From the coaching staff’s viewpoint, the excitement around rookie’s trajectory is hard to hide.
“We hope that he does make the ‘big game’ and he gets voted in,” Jason Kidd said. “He’s playing at a high level for a young player. He’s taking on the best defender. He’s trying to help his team win.
“He’s been very successful in late game. Hopefully he’s in the ‘big game,’ but he will participate in the ‘little game.’”
Flagg has played 1 season for the Mavericks. He has averaged 19.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 39 regular-season games.
The Mavs don't plan to have Kyrie Irving sit out the season: https://t.co/8fuY1ulxTO
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 14, 2026
