Cooper Flagg Earns 2026 Rising Stars Nod After Electric Rookie Campaign
Cooper Flagg is headed to NBA All-Star Weekend - and not just to soak in the atmosphere. The Dallas Mavericks rookie has earned a well-deserved spot in the 2026 Rising Stars game, a showcase of the league’s most promising young talent. The event, set for Friday, Feb. 13 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, will feature a four-team, three-game mini-tournament format that includes 10 standout rookies, 11 second-year players, and a squad of NBA G League prospects.
For Flagg, this selection is more than just a milestone - it’s a statement. Through 43 games, all of them starts, the 19-year-old wing has been a force on both ends of the floor.
He’s averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while shooting an efficient 47.3% from the field. But it’s not just the numbers - it’s how and when he’s putting them up.
Flagg has already shown a knack for rising in the clutch. He’s tallied 73 clutch points so far this season - ninth-most in the entire NBA - and he’s the only player in the league to rank in the top 10 in clutch points, rebounds, and assists. That kind of late-game poise is rare in a rookie, and it’s a big reason why he’s not just participating in Rising Stars - he’s headlining it.
A Rookie Season That’s Turning Heads
Among this year’s rookie class, Flagg is setting the pace. He ranks second in total points, rebounds, and assists, and he’s third in both steals and blocks.
No other rookie is in the top three across all five of those major statistical categories. That’s not just versatility - that’s all-around dominance.
His inclusion in the Rising Stars lineup makes him the 13th player in Mavericks franchise history to earn the honor since the event began in 1994. It also marks the third straight year a Dallas player has been selected, following Dereck Lively II’s back-to-back appearances in his first two seasons.
The Rising Stars rosters were selected by NBA assistant coaches, and the players will be drafted into three teams of seven on Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET. The G League team will round out the four-team field.
A Rookie Class Full of Promise
Flagg leads a rookie group that’s deeper than most years. Cedric Coward (Grizzlies), Egor Demin (Nets), VJ Edgecombe (76ers), and Jeremiah Fears (Pelicans) are all putting up strong numbers and have carved out meaningful roles for their teams. Coward’s averaging 14.0 points and 6.4 boards, while Edgecombe has been a steady playmaker with 15.6 points and 4.2 assists per game.
The rest of the rookie field includes Dylan Harper (Spurs), Tre Johnson (Wizards), Kon Knueppel (Hornets), Collin Murray-Boyles (Raptors), and Derik Queen (Pelicans). It’s a group that blends scoring punch, defensive versatility, and emerging star power - but Flagg has clearly separated himself as the frontrunner among them.
Sophomores Bring Star Power and Depth
The sophomore class adds even more intrigue to the Rising Stars tournament. Alex Sarr (Wizards), Stephon Castle (Spurs), and Matas Buzelis (Bulls) headline a group that’s taken big leaps in Year 2. Castle, in particular, is putting up 16.9 points and a team-leading 7.1 assists per game - showing off his ability to run an offense at the next level.
Joining them are Donovan Clingan (Trail Blazers), Reed Sheppard (Rockets), Cam Spencer and Jaylen Wells (Grizzlies), Jaylon Tyson (Cavaliers), Ajay Mitchell (Thunder), and Kel’el Ware (Heat). It’s a deep, balanced group that should make for a competitive tournament.
G League Talent Completes the Field
Rounding out the Rising Stars tournament is a team of NBA G League standouts, including Sean East II, Ron Harper Jr., David Jones-Garcia, Yanic Konan Niederhäuser, Alijah Martin, Tristen Newton, and Yang Hansen. These players may not be household names yet, but All-Star Weekend offers a national stage to showcase what they can do.
Flagg’s Star Continues to Rise
While Flagg didn’t make the full All-Star roster this year, his Rising Stars selection - paired with strong showings in both fan and player voting - puts him squarely in the spotlight. He’s already proving to be a cornerstone in Dallas, and this All-Star Weekend appearance is just the latest sign that he’s on a fast track to stardom.
For now, Flagg will get the chance to compete against the best young talent in the league - and if his rookie season is any indication, he won’t just be there to participate. He’ll be there to take over.