Cooper Flagg: From Rookie Sensation to Late-Night TV
Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg is about to add another highlight to his breakout NBA season. Set to appear on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on Monday, Feb.
23, 2026, Flagg joins a star-studded lineup featuring Tracy Morgan, Neve Campbell, and musical guests TWICE. This appearance marks another step in Flagg's journey into the national spotlight.
A Rookie Season to Remember
Flagg's debut season has been nothing short of spectacular. Through 49 games, the 6-foot-9 forward is posting impressive numbers: 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, while shooting 48.2% from the field and 80.4% from the line. The Mavericks have wisely utilized him as a point-forward, showcasing his versatility and entrusting him with crucial late-game responsibilities.
Drafted first overall in 2025, Flagg wasted no time making an impact. He became the youngest player in NBA history to score 40 points in a game and later set the teenage single-game scoring record with a stunning 49-point performance. This feat made him the first rookie since Michael Jordan in 1985 to achieve a 49-and-10 line.
Flagg also achieved four consecutive 30-point games, joining the ranks of Allen Iverson by scoring at least 150 points over a four-game span as a rookie. These achievements place him among the elite young talents who have the potential to transform franchises.
Health Update: Flagg's Road to Recovery
Recently, Flagg faced a setback with a left midfoot sprain, sidelining him just before the All-Star break. This injury kept him out of the Mavericks’ last game before the break and the Rising Stars Challenge.
However, there’s optimism surrounding his recovery. Head coach Jason Kidd noted that Flagg has been shooting post-break and is out of his walking boot, although he's not yet fully practicing.
The team is monitoring his progress closely as they continue their road trip.
From Maine to Mainstream
Hailing from Newport, Maine, and affectionately dubbed “The Maine Event,” Flagg's journey began at Nokomis Regional and continued at Montverde Academy. After a standout season at Duke, he entered the 2025 draft as the top prospect.
Now, less than 50 games into his NBA career, Flagg is balancing his on-court excellence with growing media attention. His upcoming appearance on Fallon’s show is a testament to his rapid rise, transcending basketball and entering the broader cultural conversation.
As the Mavericks navigate the competitive Western Conference and Flagg works his way back from injury, his appearance on national television underscores how quickly he's become a key figure in the NBA's evolving landscape.