Cooper Flagg is turning heads in his rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks, showcasing talent that suggests he's destined for greatness. Despite sitting out the All-Star Weekend due to a foot injury, Flagg’s performance on the court has been nothing short of all-star material.
Averaging 20.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, Flagg is proving to be a force to be reckoned with. His impact was further highlighted when his rookie-debut jersey fetched a staggering $1 million at a Sotheby's auction, as reported by Dan Hajducky of ESPN. This was the jersey he donned during the first half of his debut game, a moment that collectors clearly value immensely.
Brahm Wachter, Sotheby's head of modern collectibles, noted, “The $1 million result for Cooper Flagg's rookie debut jersey is a powerful testament to the significance collectors place on true ‘first moments' in sport.” This sale not only marks a significant milestone in Flagg's budding career but also reflects the high expectations and excitement surrounding his future.
Flagg made his NBA debut on October 22 against the San Antonio Spurs, recording a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, despite the Mavericks’ 125-92 loss. This debut made him the youngest player in Mavericks history to hit the court at just 18 years old.
Looking ahead, Sotheby's is set to host an NBA Rookie Debut Auction from March 17 to 23, featuring debut jerseys from other rising stars like Kon Knueppel, Dylan Harper, Derik Queen, and VJ Edgecombe.
Currently, Flagg is leading all rookies in points per game. He ranks second in total points with 999, second in rebounds with 321, and third in assists with 302. His stats underscore a remarkable start to what promises to be an exciting career in the NBA.