Cooper Flagg is doing more than just living up to the hype-he’s making history, and fast.
The Dallas Mavericks’ No. 1 overall pick is still a few days shy of his 19th birthday, but he’s already etched his name alongside two of the most iconic players the league has ever seen: LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. That’s not hyperbole. That’s a statistical fact.
With over 500 points scored before turning 19, Flagg becomes just the third player in NBA history to hit that milestone at such a young age. The only others?
LeBron and Kobe. That’s the list.
That’s the company Flagg now keeps.
To put it plainly: this is rare air.
It’s not just about the number. It’s what it represents-an 18-year-old stepping into the NBA and producing at a level that suggests he’s not just ready for the league, he’s ready to lead.
This isn’t a slow burn or a developmental project. Flagg has arrived, and he’s already making noise.
He recently passed Tracy McGrady on the list of all-time scoring totals for players under 19. That’s significant.
McGrady’s been a fixture near the top of that list for decades, a benchmark for precocious talent. Flagg didn’t just sneak past him-he’s blazing a path of his own.
It’s worth noting that not many players even enter the league at 18 anymore. The league’s age limit and one-and-done college path have made that increasingly rare.
But Flagg, coming out of Duke, was ready. And the Mavericks didn’t hesitate, making him the second-youngest No. 1 overall pick in NBA history-trailing only, again, LeBron James.
That’s not a comparison being made lightly. But when the numbers start lining up, it’s hard to ignore.
Flagg’s rookie campaign has had its expected learning moments, sure. But the good has far outweighed the bad.
The poise, the production, the presence-it’s all there. He’s not just showing flashes.
He’s showing consistency. And that’s the part that should really have Mavericks fans-and the rest of the league-paying attention.
Because if this is what Flagg looks like at 18, just imagine what’s coming next.