'It's unbelievable'- Jason Kidd Elevates Cooper Flagg into Rare Company Amid Rookie Season Buzz

Jason Kidd highlights Cooper Flagg’s electrifying rookie impact, praising his joy, competitiveness, and drawing comparisons to Michael Jordan’s early career.

Surbhi Khera
April 6, 2026
4 min read

'It's unbelievable'- Jason Kidd Elevates Cooper Flagg into Rare Company Amid Rookie Season Buzz — Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Rookie of the Year race is beginning to feel less like a debate and more like a coronation in slow motion. As performances stack up, one name continues to echo louder than the rest, pulling attention from analysts, fans, and insiders alike.

Cooper Flagg has not just entered the league; he has unsettled it. Night after night, his presence has turned routine games into must-watch events, even if the broader audience has yet to fully catch on.

From within the locker room corridors to courtside whispers, the comparisons have started surfacing. And when voices like Jason Kidd begin to weigh in, the conversation has already moved from just showcasing potential to leaving a legacy.

There is a growing sense that something rare is unfolding in real time among the NBA rookies. And when the benchmark being invoked is Michael Jordan, it is already clear that this story is only just beginning

1. Jason Kidd hails Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg with a crazy Michael Jordan comparison

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In a recent public press conference, Jason Kidd spoke about Cooper Flagg and his impact in professional basketball, placing him firmly in the Rookie of the Year conversation. Kidd addressed reporters directly, highlighting what he and his team have been witnessing on a daily basis from the young player. Kidd stated, ‘It is unbelievable. The country is now watching what we get to watch on a daily basis, the things that he has done,’ referring to Flagg’s performances for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. He added, ‘He is in rare air,’ as he continued to describe the level at which Flagg is currently playing. Drawing a comparison to Michael Jordan, the coach said, ‘You talk about him playing what he did as a teenager, so to see what Cooper is doing, the excitement, the joy of playing the game, it is contagious.’ The remarks have only added to Flagg’s early compounding career trajectory and presence on the court. Jason Kidd further emphasized Flagg’s mindset and approach, stating, ‘His spirit is about winning right now,’ underlining the player’s focus within the team setup. The comments come amid growing attention around Flagg’s performances in the league and his emergence as a key figure for the Mavericks.

2. Cooper Flagg drops career-high 50-point night in Mavericks historic clash against Magic

Cooper Flagg delivered a standout performance for the Dallas Mavericks in their recent NBA outing against the Orlando Magic. The young forward recorded a career-high scoring night, further strengthening his growing presence in the league.

Flagg shot 19-of-30 from the field, showcasing efficiency and control throughout the game. His offensive rhythm remained consistent across all four quarters, keeping the Mavericks competitive deep into the contest.

The most decisive stretch came in the final quarter, where Flagg scored 24 points. His late-game surge had gamed up both his stamina and ability to perform under pressure in high-intensity moments.

This performance has just further added to Flagg’s rising profile in the NBA while reinforcing his importance within the Mavericks’ lineup. As the season progresses, his contributions continue to shape outcomes and draw increasing attention across the league.

3. Cooper Flagg leads NBA rookie rankings, emerges as Mavericks’ new cornerstone

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Cooper Flagg has established himself as the consensus top-ranked rookie in the NBA for the 2025–26 season after being selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks. As of April 2026, he remains a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award, consistently appearing at the top of the league’s rookie rankings. Flagg’s debut season has been defined by historic milestones, including becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score over 50 points in a single game. His performances have positioned him ahead of fellow rookie Kon Knueppel in what remains a closely contested race. Averaging 20.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, Flagg has demonstrated elite all-around ability for a first-year player. His versatility as a forward, combined with strong playmaking instincts, has elevated his role within the Mavericks’ system. Following the departure of Luka Dončić, Flagg has emerged as the central figure in Dallas’ long-term plans. With comparisons already being drawn to players like Jayson Tatum and Larry Bird, his trajectory signals a defining new chapter for the franchise.