Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks was not impressed by Cooper Flagg’s solid rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks, despite the team’s forgettable run.
The veteran didn’t mince words when he weighed in on the young forward’s talent as he laced up for the Mavericks this season.
Dillon Brooks Questions Cooper Flagg’s Rise in His Debut NBA Season
Per Legion Hoops, a quote of Brooks comparing Flagg’s performance to his own did the rounds on social media. “I rate him… not a better year than me because if I was with the Mavs, we’d be in the playoff hunt,” he said.
Brooks’ comments also raise the debate of how he fared in his rookie season compared to Flagg. After being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Duke alum is averaging 20.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in his 52 games so far.
As for Brooks, his rookie year with the Memphis Grizzlies saw him put up 11.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 82 games. The numbers suggest that Flagg is having a better season statistically, despite the Mavericks’ struggles.
Dillon Brooks on Cooper Flagg:
“I rate him… not a better year than me because if I was with the Mavs we’d be in the playoff hunt.”
(via @mdwogahmad, h/t @big_business_) pic.twitter.com/s2NXe0fJN4
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 9, 2026
It has been a year to forget for Dallas. With Kyrie Irving ruled out for the season with an ACL injury and Anthony Davis traded to the Washington Wizards, the new-look side has struggled to compete. At the time of writing, they are 21-43 in the West and are 12th in the standings.
The Suns have had Brooks’ services for 50 games this season, with the forward averaging 20.9 points (marginally above Flagg), 3.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. He is currently sidelined with a left-hand fracture and is slated to be re-evaluated in four-to-six weeks.
While Brooks’ claim is bold at best, the argument for Flagg will be that the rookie star has been shouldering the load on both ends of the floor in the absence of a star guard and while acclimatizing to new names on the roster.
Unlike the Mavericks, who are out of playoff contention, Brooks and the Suns have the chance to make the postseason. They are seventh in the West with a 37-27 record and have won four of their last five games. The side has been led admirably by mercurial guard Devin Booker, with 24.9 points and 6.1 assists.
As for Flagg, the versatile forward is in the running for Rookie of the Year honors, with Charlotte Hornets’ Kon Knueppel currently maintaining the lead amid the Hornets’ recent surge.
While Brooks’ take certainly stirs up quite the buzz on social media, there is no denying that Flagg has been off to a brilliant start to his rookie year. Only time will tell if a ROTY win is on the cards.
