Talent alone isn’t always enough to win individual awards. Sometimes the right context is needed as well. And that’s exactly where the paradox of Cooper Flagg’s season with the Dallas Mavericks begins.

The rookie was the overwhelming favorite for Rookie of the Year even before the season started. And on the court he has lived up to expectations: 20.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game reflect the impact of a true franchise player.

But the NBA rarely follows a simple path.

The Mavs still have 18 games left and, honestly, if they finished 0-18 that would be the best thing for them. That’s how the system works. The way it’s structured, the best thing for Dallas would be to lose – and lose a lot – but that obviously doesn’t help if you’re chasing Rookie of the Year

Marc Stein via All-NBA Podcast

The growth of the Charlotte Hornets and the consistency of Kon Knueppel have reopened the race for the award. And, above all, the Mavericks’ situation – 12th in the West with a 21-43 record after also losing to the Toronto Raptors last night 92-122 – could further complicate Flagg’s candidacy.

Dallas still controls its 2026 NBA Draft first-round pick, the last one before 2031. For that reason, losing now could mean adding another high-level talent alongside Flagg.

And that’s where the contradiction emerges: what may be best for the team’s future might not be what helps the rookie’s individual award race.

After parting ways with Luka Doncic, Dallas is trying to build a new identity. Flagg is the first pillar. The next one could arrive directly from the NBA Draft.

If that happens, the Rookie of the Year award might become just a detail. But for now, the race remains wide open.