Cooper Flagg has been making waves in the NBA this season. His recent performance in a nail-biting 100-98 victory against the Kings showed just how clutch he can be. As we near the midway point of the season, a big question looms: Will any rookies, especially Flagg, make it to the NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles next February?
It’s a significant milestone. The last rookie to participate in the All-Star Game was Blake Griffin in 2011, and the last one to start was Yao Ming in 2003. Currently, Flagg is ranked 16th in fan voting for the West, while rookies in the East have yet to break into the top 20.
Coaches often look at a player’s performance rather than their popularity for selection. This means that if rookies play well in the first half of the season, they could get an All-Star nod. The Rising Stars Game is another chance for them to shine, but making it to the main event is tough. Many superstar rookies, like LeBron James and Luka Dončić, didn’t make the All-Star team during their debut seasons.
Dallas Mavericks’ coach Jason Kidd recently expressed confidence in Flagg, stating, “He’s going to be there no matter what.” He emphasized that Flagg’s hard work is paying off, especially in high-pressure moments.
Historically, only 19 rookies have been named All-Stars in the last 50 years. Notably, Wilt Chamberlain, who dominated in his first year, set a high standard. His stats—37.6 points and 27 rebounds per game—still stand out today.
As we look forward, here are some of the top rookies to watch:
Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)
Stats: 18.9 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 4.2 apg
Despite a recent shooting slump, Flagg rebounded with a strong game of 20 points, contributing significantly to his team’s victory.Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets)
Stats: 19.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.5 apg
Knueppel has been impressive, especially in a recent game where he posted 23 points and helped his team achieve a big win.VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers)
Stats: 16.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.1 apg
Edgecombe’s impact has been significant; the Sixers perform better with him on the court.Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans)
Stats: 13.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 4.1 apg
Queen is a stat-sheet filler, currently leading in total assists among rookies.Cedric Coward (Memphis Grizzlies)
Stats: 13.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.9 apg
Coward has shown flashes of brilliance, but he recently dealt with an ankle injury.
Rookie All-Star selections have historically been rare, making this year’s potential impact of Flagg, Knueppel, and others particularly exciting. For more insights into NBA statistics and performance, you can check trusted sources like ESPN and NBA.com.
Overall, the excitement around this rookie class could lead to a transformative All-Star Weekend, possibly breaking records that have stood for decades.
Source link
Kia Rookie Ladder
