Photo: Dallas Mavericks

Guard Max Christie and head coach Jason Kidd both made the case on Friday for Cooper Flagg to win Rookie of the Year, as Eddie Sefko of Mavs.com reports.

The Dallas Mavericks rookie star is competing closely for the award with fellow former Duke standout Kon Knueppel.

“To see what he’s doing on a nightly basis – points, rebounds, assists – he’s playing the game at the right level,” Kidd said. “And these names that (people) have brought up are very impressive (to be compared with).

“I truly believe he deserves rookie of the year. It’s not easy to come in with all the hype and expectations and be able to deliver – if not be even better than what the expectations were.”

The No. 1 overall pick has backed up that praise with his production, currently ranking among the top five rookies in all five major statistical categories, according to Mark Followill.

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