Cooper Flagg is honored and surprised to be named to the All-Star Game

When the votes were first countedAnthony Davis was the only representative of the Mavs in the Top 20 in the West. He was just joined by his teammate, Cooper Flagg.

In the second return of votes among fans for the 2026 All-Star Game, the Mavs rookie ranks 16th, behind Jamal Murray but ahead of team leaders Devin Booker and Lauri Markkanen. Not bad at all for a first year player.

« It’s obviously really cool to see that. I feel really honored and very happy to see my name displayed above. I’m really surprised. So I will continue to try to improve every day », reacts the 19-year-old.

The latter says he spoke with “AD,” in fact, a true subscriber to the All-Star game with ten career calls. “ I asked him how the votes were and everything. We just talked about it a little bit. Nothing crazy. He has so much experience with all of this. I’m just trying to learn from him », delivers a candidate for the Rookie of the Year trophy.

Remember that fan votes count for 50% in determining the five starters from each conference for the 2026 All-Star Game. Current NBA players and the media panel each represent 25% of the vote. All-Star selection is therefore far from certain for Cooper Flagg.

A sign of popularity

But as teammate Klay Thompson points out, seeing him mentioned in a fan vote is already an indicator. ” This means that it is popular among fans all over the world. He is the kind of spectacular player (…) And he’ll be in the All-Star game every year. It’s only a matter of time ” predicts the former Warriors All-Star.

The second highest scorer among rookies, behind Kon Knuepel, Cooper Flagg, however, is sure to be invited to the Rising Star Challenge. Slam dunk contest? ” I’m more of a dunker in games. Never say never, but I don’t know if I could really be competitive. »

Maybe a 3 point contest then? “ I don’t know anything about that either. I think we have better candidates in our team, for sure, Max (Christy) and Clay », pushing a rookie who only has 29% success behind the arc. All-Star this year or not, his future looks bright, Klay Thompson announces.

« There are no limits for Cooper. He knows that. The whole world knows him, the first pick (in the last NBA draft). Expectations are high. I will follow him for a long time. He is a great teammate. He’s a very cerebral player, capable of shining on both ends of the floor, and he’s only going to get better. Dallas can therefore be very happy to have a bright future with Cooper », ends the last one.

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.