Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has directly compared rising star Cooper Flagg's career trajectory to that of NBA legend LeBron James. Kidd, who coached Flagg during his Rookie of the Year season, believes the 19-year-old swingman is on a similar path to greatness, provided he stays healthy and wins championships. The Mavericks are currently on a two-game winning run, following a 149-128 victory over the Chicago Bulls on April 13, 2026.
What did Jason Kidd say about Cooper Flagg?
Jason Kidd made the comparison during a recent interview with ALL-STAR Magazine. He pointed to Flagg's mentality and early production as reasons for the lofty comparison. "I think he's on pace when you talk about LeBron and what he did as a young player, and then also Cooper's ability," Kidd said. He highlighted Flagg's fearlessness, referencing a missed game-winning shot at Duke as proof the player isn't afraid of big moments.
Kidd also noted the ultimate measuring stick for any great player. "Now, can he stay healthy like LeBron? And then I think all greats are judged with championships," he continued. This sets a clear benchmark for Flagg's future with the Dallas Mavericks. Stats are one thing, but titles define a legacy in the NBA.
How did Cooper Flagg perform in his rookie season?
Flagg's rookie campaign provided plenty of evidence for the hype. He appeared in 70 regular-season games for the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting 46.8 percent from the field. His performance earned him the NBA Rookie of the Year award in April.
His development was rapid. In a Bleacher Report article, analyst Andy Bailey noted Flagg averaged 18.8 points and 4.1 assists in his first 43 games. From that point to the season's end, those numbers jumped to 24.7 points and 5.1 assists per game. Bailey named Flagg the league's best 19-year-old, ahead of highly-touted incoming rookies.
What's next for the Dallas Mavericks and Cooper Flagg?
The Dallas Mavericks won just 26 games last season, making Flagg's emergence a major bright spot. The team's recent form shows a 2W-3L record in their last five, but they enter the new season on a two-game win streak. You can track their progress on our schedule page.
Flagg's role will evolve alongside star guard Kyrie Irving. Bailey suggested that while Flagg may cede some touches to Irving, the defensive attention Irving commands could actually create better opportunities for the young forward. This dynamic could help Flagg maintain the high-level production he showed at the end of the 2025-26 season.
The pressure is now on for Flagg to translate his individual success into team wins. As Kidd stated, championships are the final judge. Flagg has the tools and the work ethic. The next step is elevating the entire Dallas Mavericks roster and climbing the standings. His second NBA season will be a major test of his ability to lead.
