Cooper Flagg Turns 19, Capping Off a Historic Run for a Teenage NBA Rookie
DALLAS - Cooper Flagg turned 19 on Sunday, and with that, one of the most remarkable rookie stretches we've ever seen from a teenager in the NBA officially came to a close. The No. 1 overall pick has already made it clear: he’s not just here to learn - he’s here to lead.
Flagg’s final days as an 18-year-old looked more like something out of a video game than a typical rookie transition. He dropped a career-high 42 points against the Utah Jazz, then followed it up with a 23-point double-double against Detroit.
That 42-point outburst? It wasn’t just a personal best - it set the all-time NBA record for most points scored in a single game by an 18-year-old.
And that was just the tip of the iceberg.
Since the Mavericks started using Flagg more in his natural role as a slasher - attacking downhill, cutting through defenses, and creating chaos in the paint - his production has taken off. He's not just flashing potential; he’s producing at a level that demands attention.
In his most recent outing, a turnover-heavy loss to the 76ers in Philadelphia, Flagg poured in 24 points, narrowly missing Kobe Bryant’s mark for second-most points scored before turning 19. He finishes his teenage chapter with 526 points - trailing only Bryant (539) and LeBron James (625) in that category.
But Flagg’s impact isn’t just about scoring. He ranks second all-time among 18-year-olds in assists (again, behind LeBron), and sits fourth in rebounds, blocks, and steals. That puts him in elite company alongside names like Tracy McGrady, Dwight Howard, and Jermaine O’Neal - players who all grew into All-Stars and franchise cornerstones.
And let’s not forget - Flagg is technically supposed to be a college freshman right now.
After reclassifying in high school, he dominated at Duke, winning National Player of the Year honors before making the leap to the pros. That fast track hasn’t fazed him.
If anything, it’s sharpened his edge. His defensive instincts are already ahead of the curve, and his offensive game is growing by the week.
He’s finishing at the rim with either hand, showing poise in isolation, and consistently finding his midrange spots with confidence.
What’s even more impressive? He’s averaging 18.8 points per game - and an even more impressive 24 per night over his last 10 - all while shooting just 23% from three.
That tells you how advanced his feel for the game is. He’s not relying on the long ball.
He’s finding ways to score through movement, timing, and touch.
But ask anyone around the Mavericks, and they’ll tell you it’s not just the stats that stand out - it’s the maturity.
Flagg has handled the whirlwind of his rookie year with a calm, grounded demeanor that’s rare for someone his age. He’s already building relationships with franchise legends, most notably Dirk Nowitzki, who’s become something of a mentor.
“I talk about a good amount of stuff with him,” Flagg said after the Philly game. “I think, as of late especially, kinda tried to reach out a little bit more and I’m trying to grow a relationship.
"He’s just an incredible basketball mind, and such a figure here in Dallas, that I’d be dumb not to want to reach out and learn as much as I can from him, and he’s been amazing, just trying to be around for me and give me guidance in a lot of different ways ... I’m excited to continue to build our relationship.”
That kind of humility and hunger to learn? That’s the stuff that builds legacies.
Nowitzki’s name is synonymous with loyalty in Dallas - it’s literally etched into the bronze of his statue outside American Airlines Center. And while Flagg’s career is just getting started, he’s already echoing that same sentiment.
“Loyalty has always been a big thing for me, and I think it’s just being where my feet are,” Flagg said earlier this week. “I’ve loved every minute of being here [in Dallas]. I feel like I’m living the dream.
"Everyone here in Dallas has been so amazing, so I’d be foolish not to want to be here for as long as I can. Whatever happens, happens, but I’m just trying to enjoy life one day at a time and take what’s given to me and just feel really blessed.”
It’s not just words. It’s how he carries himself - on the court, in the locker room, and in the community. That’s why head coach Jason Kidd can’t help but smile when talking about his young star.
“We’re very fortunate to have him,” Kidd said after Flagg’s record-setting night against Utah. “And we’ll treasure him at 18 and 19 all the way until he’s 55 - cause that’s probably when he’ll retire.”
Now, the Mavericks look ahead to their final home game of the calendar year - a Tuesday night showdown with Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. After that, it’s a Christmas Day clash with the Golden State Warriors, where Klay Thompson and Steph Curry will reunite in the Bay.
But for now, Dallas can take a moment to appreciate the rare talent they have in Cooper Flagg - a player who’s already rewriting the rookie record books and playing with the poise of a seasoned vet.
He’s 19 now. And if his 18-year-old self was just the beginning, the league better brace itself for what’s coming next.