Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg makes NBA history only ever done by LeBron James originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When LeBron James entered the NBA as the 2003 No. 1 overall pick of the Cleveland Cavaliers, he was known as an exquisite passer.
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Passing is a skill less associated with the Dallas Mavericks‘ No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Cooper Flagg out of Duke.
But so far as a rookie, Flagg has shown that he too can distribute the basketball.
So much so that on Tuesday night, he became the second-youngest player in NBA history to reach 150 career assists, behind just LeBron, according to Real Sports.
Flagg achieved that with a well-rounded 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists in a two-point win over the Sacramento Kings. He added a steal while shooting 8-for-15 from the floor, including 2-for-5 from 3-point range.
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Flagg turned 19 on Dec. 21. He was the second-youngest No. 1 overall pick ever, also behind just LeBron.
He’s averaging 4.2 assists per game on his rookie season, a quality mark for a 6-foot-9 forward.
The Mavs experimented early in the year with Flagg literally playing point guard, and while that’s less of a thing now, Flagg still gets to initiate offense a decent amount.
Clearly, he’s capable. Keeping James’ company in anything is a great sign.