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Cooper Flagg debate is already ‘over’ after Mavericks star’s turnaround, claims Austin Rivers

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By James Shearman | Last updated Dec 9, 2025 4:31 PM ET

Cooper Flagg’s difficult start to his rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks raised concerns about his future.

Mavericks fans had pinned their hopes on the 18-year-old after trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Flagg was supposed to be the next franchise player in Dallas, which looked less likely after his first handful of games.

However, the rookie’s recent turnaround has silenced his critics and proved that he will be a special player in the league.

Former NBA player Austin Rivers also believes that Flagg’s improvement has already ended a debate that was supposed to last all season.

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Austin Rivers declares ROTY race over

Cooper Flagg was the heavy favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award before the season, but another player has since emerged as a contender.

Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Kneuppel is having one of the best shooting years for a rookie in NBA history.

Knueppel is averaging 18 points per game on 46 percent from the field and 40 percent from three.

He was clearly the ROTY until recently, as Flagg has now proven why he was drafted with the number one pick.

Flagg is putting up 20 points, five rebounds, and two assists per game for the Mavs in December, with a 3-1 record so far this month.

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Austin Rivers is convinced that he will run away with the ROTY now that he feels confident in the Mavericks’ system.

“It’s already happened. It’s gone. It’s over. It’s a wrap. Knueppel has had a great year, but it’s over,” Rivers said on the Off Guard podcast.

“He’s starting to figure it out now. He’s figuring out his pace. He’s figuring out where his spots are.

“They’re taking him off the ball a little bit more and telling him to be aggressive and score whenever you get it. Don’t overthink it. He’s hooping now.

“The team is also in a trial-and-error year, so there is not as much pressure as there was in the beginning. Now they’re just getting to play, and you’re seeing it.”

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Ryan Nembhard has helped Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks

An important reason for Cooper Flagg’s improvement is that he is no longer being asked to play the point guard position.

Undrafted rookie Ryan Nembhard has flourished at the point since his introduction to the lineup and has allowed Flagg to play his natural game.

Rivers continued: “What the hell is wrong with the Nembhard brothers? What the hell is this dude doing? Where the f— did he come from? I wasn’t familiar.