Cooper Flagg is Growing Into His Superstardom

Photo: Cooper Flagg bringing the ball up the floor. Photo credit: Jesse Johnson, Imagn Images.

Maine isn’t exactly a basketball haven. Prior to 2025, only two players in NBA history - Duncan Robinson and Jeff Turner - came from the state. Robinson, from York, is a sharpshooter out of the University of Michigan who is currently a Detroit Piston but made his bones in the league as a member of the Miami Heat. Turner, from Bangor, was a 10-year veteran forward known mostly for his time with the Orlando Magic. These days, you can catch Turner providing color commentary for the team.

Of all of the states, only Alaska (2) and Hawaii (2), have produced fewer NBA hoopers than Maine. Frankly, it is a locale more known for seafood, Stephen King, and scenery. 

One young star is changing that in real time. 

Newport’s Cooper Flagg doesn’t turn 19 for nineteen more days. At Montverde Academy, he was National High School Player of the Year in 2024. At Duke University in 2025, he was the National College Player of the Year. ACC Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, All-Defense, Julius Erving Award, Wayman Tisdale Award, Lute Olson Award. There was no doubt that the Dallas Mavericks were going to draft the Duke product No. 1 overall. Hype was all-around. It had been a long time since the media and fans were this excited about an American-born hooper. 

Flagg’s rookie season got off to a slow start. Although he did register a double-double in his debut with 10 points and 10 rebounds, he made just 4-of-13 shots in the game. 18 points and 22 points were followed by just 2 points on 1-of-9 shooting. Especially in his debut, Flagg seemed to press a bit, not allowing the game to come to him. Rather, he was rushing. In the last month though, there have been noticeable differences. 

20 points, 26 points, and 21 points were a few of the games that preceded a Nov. 19 national television DNP against the New York Knicks due to illness. Two nights later in his return to action, he scored 29 points (12-of-19, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals) in 32 minutes against the New Orleans Pelicans. Back-to-back games of 12 points gave way to 13 points (5-of-11), 11 assists, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals on Nov. 28 at the Los Angeles Lakers. With the 11 assists, Flagg became the youngest player to record 10 or more assists in a game. Then came his official arrival. 

In a game at the Los Angeles Clippers on Nov. 29, Flagg in 38 minutes shot 13-of-22 for 35 points with 8 rebounds in a 114-110 Mavericks’ win. At 18 years and 343 days old, he became the second youngest player to score 30 points in an NBA game, just nine days older than LeBron James when he first did it. 

Flagg followed up the stellar 35 with 24 points and 8 rebounds on Monday night in Denver, a 131-121 Mavericks’ victory. He shot 10-of-19 from the field in 33 minutes, and added two steals and one block. 

Pre-draft, some were comparing Flagg to the Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum. Maybe in the body. Maybe because Flagg’s dad grew up a big time Celtic fan and adored Larry Bird. Inevitably, there will be comparisons to others before him. 

But Flagg is unique. He isn’t as strong as Tatum nor does he hang on the perimeter as much. Flagg takes shots when they are open, not just for the sake of taking them like others seem to do so frequently in today’s game. He can handle the ball in the open floor and when he attacks, he more so glides than sprints to the front of the rim. His length allows him to finish at unique angles and over and around defenders. He is an adept facilitator and can block shots. 

Flagg is unique in that he doesn’t need the basketball in his hands. This will allow for a smooth transition when star guard Kyrie Irving returns from injury. Flagg doesn’t need the ball to be effective and is not solely a scorer. His ability to do multiple things impacts the entire lineup. He and Anthony Davis (32 points and 13 rebounds on Monday night) have developed a solid rapport. 

The rookie season of the NBA’s next star-in-waiting did not get off to a fluid start. But people had to and have to remember that the kid is only 18. In fact, Flagg is fourth all-time in points before turning 19. The only others ahead are Tracy McGrady, Kobe Bryant, and James. His averages currently sit at 17.0 points (14.2 shots per game), 6.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 steals on 46.6% shooting. He plays 33.9 minutes per game.

This kid at 18 has shown that he can do everything. Still room to grow and growing pains to be had. Nuances to learn. Maturation is the elevation. 

But Cooper Flagg is on his way. Maybe one day he will allow Mavericks’ fans to forgive Nico Harrison for the blunder that cost him his job. 

Maine is on the map.