ESPN Names Cooper Flagg As a 'Top Newcomer' Entering 2025-26

ESPN recently named Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg as a top newcomer entering the 2025-26 NBA season. Here’s why ESPN’s recent nomination of Flagg, 18, is a big deal.

ESPN Names Cooper Flagg As a Top Newcomer

ESPN recently named Flagg as one of the top newcomers for their respective teams entering 2025-26. He was the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft after an exceptional freshman year last season, leading Duke to the Final Four.

He is widely considered a generational prospect on the court. The 18-year-old will enter 2025-26 as the frontrunner to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award. San Antonio Spurs Guard Stephon Castle most recently won the award. Castle, 20, was also named Kia NBA Western Conference Rookie of the Month twice.

Cooper Flagg’s Outlook

Flagg’s outlook appears to be bright. The Newport, Maine native is projected to play a significant role with the Dallas Mavericks, thanks to his ability to impact games on both ends of the court. Because of these traits, the 6-foot-8, 205 lb forward was listed as the eighth-most impactful newcomer, per ESPN’s Kevin Pelton.

Pelton and Chris Herring wrote, “The consensus top prospect in the 2025 draft is in an unusual spot for a No. 1 pick. The Mavericks were in the NBA Finals 15 months ago and played for a spot in the playoffs despite trading away Luka Doncic midseason and suffering a second-half injury cascade. Flagg isn’t Doncic and will need time to develop, but his well-rounded game should allow him to contribute to a playoff push immediately as he develops into the next great Dallas star.” 

Final Thoughts

Flagg’s overall development has been a hot topic. Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd said that they’re going to ask a bunch of the rookie to maximize his development. Kidd, 52, and company are hopeful that he can have a smooth transition to the NBA and help the Mavericks make another deep playoff run.

Flagg had two appearances with the Mavericks in the Summer League, averaging 20.5 points, 5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals on 37.5% shooting from the field. His final appearance consisted of 31 points and 4 rebounds against the San Antonio Spurs on July 12.