Cooper Flagg said he’s typically gotten some advance notice when he’s won major awards in the past, but he had no idea what the results were going to be as he watched the Rookie of the Year announcement on Monday, writes Christian Clark of The Athletic. Flagg prevailed in a tight race, giving him the trophy that most observers expected him to win ever since he was the No. 1 pick in the draft last June.
“It was probably one of the first times I won an award and I had to find out with everyone else,” he said. “That was pretty cool.”
The Mavericks held a celebration on Wednesday attended by roughly 100 team employees as Flagg accepted the Wilt Chamberlain Trophy. Among those attending were teammates Kyrie Irving, Max Christie, Dereck Lively II, Brandon Williams and Caleb Martin.
“Coming into this year, we all had different expectations in how we thought the year would go,” Flagg said. “But all of that is in the past. I think it’s time to move forward. Continue to grow, continue to get better and have a high outlook on how next year can go. We are just going to put in the work all summer long. I think we’re all excited for it.”
Flagg received 56 first-place votes and edged former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel in the second-closest Rookie of the Year race since the current voting format was adopted for the 2002/03 season. Flagg averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals in 70 games and set a single-game scoring record for a teenager by reaching 51 points against Orlando earlier this month.
Flagg told reporters that he and Knueppel stayed in communication throughout the season.
“Me and Kon, we talked all year long,” Flagg said. “We never talked about the Rookie of the Year or what people were saying about it or anything like that. It was more just support for one another and staying in contact. He’s someone who will be one of my best friends for the rest of my life.”
Flagg encountered a few challenges during his rookie season, including coach Jason Kidd’s decision to have him play point guard for the first time in his life. Kidd, who was also at Wednesday’s event, said Flagg is always willing to do whatever is asked of him.
“He loves competition,” Kidd said. “He loves both ends. He’s not one about just offense. He’s about playing the game of basketball. You have to play defense. Taking on the No. 1 defensive player every night … to be able to do what he did is remarkable. Well-deserved award. I think it just sets the tone for his career.”
The Mavs tied for 11th in the West at 26-56, giving Flagg the first extended losing experience of his life. He’s determined to change that as quickly as he can and lead the franchise back to playoff contention.
He’s already looking forward to next season and addressed his plans to improve his game over the summer, according to Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal (subscription required). He hopes to add to his offensive repertoire, including creating more opportunities with his dribble.
“I’m going to work on a lot of different things. There’s always room to improve,” Flagg said. “I think there’s a lot of growth I can make offensively, off the dribble, and making reads. I’m excited to get in the gym, especially with teammates, and keep building.”