Where Cooper Flagg ranks on ClutchPoints’ NBA Top 100

The Dallas Mavericks‘the latest sensation, Cooper Flaggcontinues to validate every ounce of excitement that followed him from Duke to the NBA. In the annual List of the top 100 NBA players according to ClutchPointsFlagg debuts at No. 67, a remarkable feat for an 18-year-old rookie who has yet to play a single regular season game.

Flegg’s inclusion among the league’s best players speaks volumes for his immediate impact and the high expectations surrounding him in Dallas. Selected 1st overall in the 2025 NBA DraftFlagg has been touted as a generational prospect capable of transforming the Mavericks’ identity, and early preseason performances have done little to assuage that belief.

In four preseason games, Flagg has shown elite versatility: getting the ball up the floor, defending multiple positions and showing a smooth shot well beyond his years. His defensive anticipation, rebounding energy and ability to read passing lanes have already drawn comparisons to two-way stars like Jayson Tatum and Scotty Barnes, while his confidence under pressure has impressed teammates and coaches alike.

COOPER FLAGG DUNK. 🔥🔥🔥

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— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 16, 2025

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd even experimented with Flagg as a point forward, starting him at guard alongside Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington and Derek Lively II in their recent preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers. The move reflects Dallas’ confidence in Flagg’s playmaking instincts, a rare responsibility for a rookie entering the NBA.

“There’s a lot of good, positive stories here, so we have time to make a decision,” Kidd said after the Lakers game, referring to Flagg’s developing role. “He is mature beyond his years and a quick learner.”

Flagg’s presence is expected to be a game changer for Dallasespecially with Kyrie Irving ruled out to start the season. His ability to facilitate, defend and score effectively could make him the Mavs’ second most important player behind Anthony Davis much sooner than expected.

As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the question isn’t whether Flagg will live up to the hype, but how quickly he can accelerate the Mavericks’ timeline back to championship contention. Ranked 67th before his first pro game, Cooper Flagg has already accomplished something few rookies ever do: earn the respect of the basketball world before he’s even spoken.