By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg has officially been named the 2025-26 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year, securing the Wilt Chamberlain Trophy following a campaign that rewrote the history books.
At just 19 years old, the American forward became the second-youngest player to receive the honor, trailing only LeBron James. His debut season featured a rare level of versatility and dominance, as he joined Michael Jordan as one of only two rookies since the 1973-74 season to lead their respective teams in total points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
The race for the award was one of the most competitive in recent memory, decided by a global media panel of 100 voters. Flagg emerged victorious with 412 total points, including 56 first-place votes. He narrowly edged out Charlotte Hornets standout and former Duke teammate, Kon Knueppel, who finished with 386 points and 44 first-place votes. The 26-point margin between the two represents the second-smallest gap in the current voting format’s history.
The 2025-26 @Kia NBA Rookie of the Year is… Cooper Flagg! pic.twitter.com/pqxPt0lfDN
— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2026
After being selected with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, presented by State Farm, the Maine native averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists across 70 appearances in the 2025-26 Regular Season.
Rounding out the top finalists was V.J. Edgecombe of the Philadelphia 76ers, who finished third with 96 points on one second-place and 93 third-place votes. Other rookies receiving recognition were Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs and Cedric Coward of the Memphis Grizzlies, with five and one points, respectively.