NBA news: Cooper Flagg set to break LeBron James rookie milestone after 22 years
Cooper Flagg has not played a single NBA game yet, but his name is already making history.
In this article, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo explores how the Dallas Mavericks rookie is set to match a milestone last achieved by LeBron James over two decades ago.
A rising star before his NBA debut
The Dallas Mavericks rookie, selected first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, is set to become the first top pick since LeBron James in 2003 to appear in a Christmas Day game during his rookie season.
Cooper Flagg’s journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. He was so dominant in high school that he reclassified early, allowing him to start college a year ahead of schedule.
That accelerated path has placed him among the most anticipated American prospects in recent memory, drawing inevitable comparisons to LeBron.
The Christmas Day stage
Christmas Day games are reserved for marquee matchups and players the NBA wants in the spotlight.
Typically, number one overall picks join struggling teams that do not earn a place on the December 25 schedule.
LeBron’s rookie Cavaliers in 2003 were an exception, and now Flagg’s Mavericks will be another.
Dallas enters this season as a playoff-calibre team, creating a unique opportunity for Flagg to debut on one of the league’s most-watched days.
The Mavericks will face the Golden State Warriors in what promises to be a high-intensity showcase.
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A historic club
When LeBron made his Christmas debut in 2003, he delivered a performance for the ages.
The Cavaliers fell to the Orlando Magic in overtime, but the young star finished with 34 points, six assists, and two steals.
That night set the tone for what would become one of the most decorated careers in basketball history.
Flagg now has the chance to join that small circle of rookies who shine under the holiday lights.
The last time this happened was over twenty years ago, and the NBA’s decision to feature him so early speaks to his potential impact.
Experience beyond his years
Flagg’s connection to LeBron extends beyond comparisons and milestones.
Earlier this year, he trained alongside the NBA legend as part of the USA Select Team, preparing Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
While LeBron and his team-mates went on to win gold, Flagg’s invitation alone was a clear endorsement of his talent and work ethic.
His Summer League performance also offered a glimpse of what he can bring. In one standout game, he scored 31 points before his tournament ended early, adding to the buzz surrounding his rookie season.
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Pressure and potential
Breaking a two-decade drought comes with more than just bragging rights.
The spotlight will be intense, and comparisons to LeBron will follow Flagg throughout his early years.
Playing for a competitive Mavericks team alongside stars like Kyrie Irving and fellow Duke product Dereck Lively II only raises expectations for immediate success.
For Flagg, the Christmas Day game is more than a milestone. It is a statement of intent.
His performance against the Warriors could set the tone for his career and influence how future rookies are introduced to the NBA stage.
The road ahead
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how Flagg handles the transition from top prospect to professional standout.
He has the talent, maturity, and platform to redefine what fans expect from a rookie. The question is whether he can meet the high bar set by one of the greatest to ever play the game.
If history is any guide, the December 25 matchup could be the start of something truly special.
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