Jason Kidd challenges Cooper Flagg
DALLAS — The NBA announced it on Tuesday Dallas Mavericks newcomer Cooper Flagg won his third consecutive victory Western Conference Rookie of the Month Award for performance in January. Ahead of the Mavs’ game against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, the head coach Jason Kidd reflected on Flagg’s performance and even issued a rookie challenge for February.
“When you look at the way Cooper is playing here, especially for the month of January, he answered a lot of questions about understanding how teams play him, what the NBA schedule is like and the lifestyle,” Kidd told reporters. “So for a 19-year-old to be able to digest all that and put up the numbers he did last month is pretty special.
“To win three Rookie of the Month awards, he now has to do it in February,” Kidd added. “And so, we’re here to help him do that.”
Kidd wants to see Flagg earn that honor once again in February. He will do whatever he can to help Flag throughout the rest of the season.
Flagg saw some time at point guard this season. When asked recently about playing rookie quarterback — a position Flegg had never spent time at before this season — Kidd called out the media at NSFV. The rant ended up costing Kidd a fine from the NBA.
Kidd was asked about the banter ahead of Tuesday’s game. Although he took responsibility for his words and punishment, he did not back down from what he said. instead, he stood by his words.
“I take full responsibility for my actions, my punishment, but I said what I had to say,” Kidd said. “We have to move forward and get ready for Celtic.”
Kidd, Flagg and the Mavs will try to upset the Celtics on Tuesday night.
2026-02-04 01:29:00
