Cooper Flagg Claims Third Straight Rookie of the Month - and Jason Kidd Wants More
DALLAS - Cooper Flagg just keeps stacking accolades. The Dallas Mavericks rookie was named the NBA’s Western Conference Rookie of the Month for January, marking his third consecutive win of the award. And while the league is taking notice, so is his head coach - with expectations only rising from here.
Ahead of Tuesday night’s matchup against the Boston Celtics, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd spoke candidly about Flagg’s growth and the challenge that lies ahead.
“When you look at the way that Cooper is playing here, especially for the month of January, he's answered a lot of questions,” Kidd said. “Understanding how teams are guarding him, adjusting to the NBA schedule, the travel, the grind - that’s a lot for a 19-year-old. And yet, he’s not just surviving, he’s thriving.”
That’s not coach-speak. Flagg’s production has been impossible to ignore. He’s showing a feel for the game that’s well beyond his years, and his ability to adapt - whether it’s reading defenses or adjusting to the physicality of the league - is a major reason he’s now three-for-three in monthly rookie honors.
But Kidd isn’t letting him get comfortable.
“To win three Rookie of the Month Awards, now he has to do it in February,” Kidd added. “And so, we're here to help him with that.”
That’s the tone from the Mavs’ bench right now - celebrate the moment, but keep pushing forward. Kidd knows what it takes to succeed in this league, and he’s clearly intent on challenging Flagg to keep raising the bar.
One of the more intriguing developments this season has been Flagg’s occasional minutes at point guard - a role he hadn’t played before arriving in Dallas. It’s a bold move, and it’s sparked plenty of questions.
Kidd, never one to shy away from speaking his mind, made headlines recently with a fiery response to media criticism about that decision. The rant, which included some NSFW language, ended up earning him a fine from the league.
Asked about the incident before Tuesday’s game, Kidd didn’t backtrack.
“I take full responsibility for my actions, my fine, but I said what I had to say,” he said. “We have to move forward and get ready for the Celtics.”
It’s clear that Kidd is fiercely protective of his young star - and just as clearly, he’s not about to let outside noise dictate how he develops Flagg. The Mavs are betting on the long-term upside here, and early returns suggest that bet is paying off.
Flagg’s play has been one of the most compelling storylines of the season in Dallas. Whether he’s scoring, defending, or now even initiating offense, he’s proving he belongs. And with Kidd pushing him to keep climbing, February could be another big month for the teenager.
Next up: a major test against one of the league’s top teams. The Mavs will try to knock off the Celtics Tuesday night - and you can bet Flagg will be right in the middle of it.