With the 2026-27 NBA season fast approaching, ESPN is ranking the top-100 players in the league. Incoming rookie Cameron Boozer and recent No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer cracked the list. So too did last year's Rookie of the Year Award winner Cooper Flagg.
Flagg was ranked No. 23 by ESPN, much higher than his position in last year's list (No. 52). During the 2025-26 campaign, the former Blue Devil averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks in 70 appearances. With schoolmate Kyrie Irving back into the fold this season, Flagg should benefit from fewer touches as a ball handler, a role he was thrust into unexpectedly during his rookie campaign.
While the Mavericks aren't expected to be a playoff team, fans around
the NBA are awaiting a stellar sophomore season from Flagg after breaking notable NBA records as a rookie. For the Maine native, the biggest area of focus should be on improving his 3-point shot, having converted on just 29.5% of his attempts last season.
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This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Duke alum Cooper Flagg ranked among top-25 NBA players
