While the Dallas Mavericks may be underperforming, Cooper Flagg is taking over as one of the best teenagers in NBA history.
Despite a putrid season by the Dallas Mavericks, it's hard to imagine the future being any brighter.
After entering the season with playoff hopes, the Mavericks instead boast one of the worst records in the league. Still, with Cooper Flagg in town, there's a lot to celebrate.
In his rookie season, Flagg has averaged 20.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.1 steals so far. He is already one of the better two-way players in the NBA, and he's putting together one of the best teenage seasons ever.
Only five players have ever averaged more points than him before they turned 20: Zion Williamson, Luka Doncic, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant. Four of those guys are locks for the Hall of Fame.
Cooper Flagg Is Better Than LeBron and Kobe
It's a high bar to cross. After all, LeBron James entered the league with the most hype a prospect has ever had, and Bryant made the All-Star Game as a 19-year-old.
Of course, Bryant got in thanks to the fan vote, and saying that Flagg is better than James and Bryant were in their teenage years does not mean that he will go down as a better player than either of them...
But it certainly helps!
"Cooper Flagg might be putting up the greatest season any 19-year-old has ever had," wrote The Ringer's Michael Pina. "Better than Kobe Bryant and LeBron James at that age. Flagg shrugs off some of the sport’s most complex, physically arduous obstacles like someone who’s already made five All-Star teams."
While Flagg might not post as many points as James did during his teenage years, Flagg is a better defender than rookie LeBron and has been tasked with running the offense. Despite shouldering more responsibility than most other rookies, Flagg hasn't buckled.
While Flagg is yet to find team success, the general consensus is that it's only a matter of time.
"I still would not trade him for anyone in the league except (probably) Victor Wembanyama," Pina added.
Thanks to Flagg and Wemby, the average NBA fan is spoiled. The 2023 and 2025 first overall picks reset the barometer for how much hype a rookie should get. Both entered the league with GOAT potential and have so far lived up to the hype.
Remember, for every Flagg, Wemby, and James, there's a Risacher, Bennett, and Thabeet.