Dallas Mavericks rookie forward Cooper Flagg is expected to make waves during his first year as the heavy favorite to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award in the 2025-26 season.
Flagg, who was selected first overall in June, is drawing overwhelming support from major sportsbooks, with betting lines listing him at minus odds to win the award.
Currently, Flagg is sitting with -185 odds to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award, marking a significantly higher chance to claim the award than any other rookie in the class.
Coming in second for the Rookie of the Year odds is Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson at +800, followed by San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper at +1000 and Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe at +1300.
The excitement for Flagg’s rookie season follows a freshman campaign at Duke, where he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 48.1from the field and 38.5% from three-point range.
Flagg earned national recognition for his performances, including winning the Naismith Player of the Year and the National Freshman Player of the Year awards.
Past results suggest that No.1 overall picks have a strong track record for Rookie of the Year success.
Since 2000, nine top picks have taken home the trophy, including Paolo Banchero in 2023 and Victor Wembanyama in 2024.
Flagg’s off-ball movement, rim protection, and ability to stretch the floor fit the Mavericks’ needs, particularly with veterans Anthony Davis and other established scorers on the roster.
The Mavericks, who have been looking to improve defensively over the past year, view Flagg as an immediate difference-maker on both sides of the ball.
This skillset should immediately translate as Flagg is expected to become one of the best players on the Mavericks in short order.
Although Dallas could struggle to open the season as guard Kyrie Irving works his way back from injury, the Mavericks are viewed as one of many teams that could compete for an NBA Championship.
Winning an NBA Championship is one of the hardest feats in all of sports, meaning Flagg will likely have to exceed expectations in his first season to truly help the Mavericks compete at this level.