The 2025-26 NBA season is on the horizon, and with legendary figures like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant moving further into the twilight of their careers, the search for the league's next iconic superstar is in full swing. While established young stars like Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama are prime candidates, ESPN analyst and former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins has thrown a new, electrifying name into the conversation: Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg. In a bold proclamation on NBA Today, Perkins not only declared Flagg a future superstar but also drew a direct comparison to a young LeBron James, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated rookie campaigns in recent memory.

Perkins's enthusiasm for Flagg is palpable, especially considering the rookie hasn't even played an official NBA minute yet. "He's got that 'it' factor," Perkins emphasized, pointing to Flagg's mature, all-around game that evokes memories of a young King James entering the league. The ultimate compliment from a former player known for his tough analysis? Comparing a teenager to one of the greatest basketball players of all time. This isn't just hype; it's a belief in a generational talent ready to shake up the league.

The Dallas Mavericks' fortunes changed dramatically when they won the draft lottery and selected Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick. Flagg's lone season at Duke was nothing short of spectacular. 👏 He reclassified to enter college early, meaning he dominated the NCAA at just 17 years old for much of the season, ultimately winning National College Player of the Year and leading his team to the Final Four. His stat line was a thing of beauty:

• Points per Game: 22.5

• Rebounds per Game: 10.2

• Assists per Game: 4.8

• Steals per Game: 2.5

• Blocks per Game: 3.1

This two-way dominance is exactly what has analysts like Perkins so excited. Unlike many top picks who join rebuilding teams, Flagg steps into an immediate win-now situation in Dallas. The Mavericks boast a roster built to compete, headlined by future Hall of Famers Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. However, there's a significant catch: Irving is recovering from a torn ACL and isn't expected back until early 2026. This unexpected vacancy creates a massive opportunity—and challenge—for the rookie.

Perkins is particularly bullish on how Flagg will handle this. He highlighted the rookie's "elite feel for the game as a passer," suggesting that Flagg will be tasked with running the point guard position at times during his first year. This immediate responsibility to be a primary offensive creator is a huge ask, but Flagg's versatile skill set seems tailor-made for it. He's a 6'9" forward who can handle the ball, shoot from deep, finish at the rim, and make plays for others. Defensively, his length, instincts, and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions and be a disruptive force. Essentially, he's the modern NBA prototype.

The Mavericks' season hinges on several factors. 🏀 While adding Flagg is a franchise-altering move, the health of Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving remains the biggest question mark. Both stars are on the wrong side of 30 and have battled injuries throughout their careers. For Dallas to truly compete for a Western Conference crown, they need their veterans on the court. Yet, even if injuries strike, the arrival of Cooper Flagg provides a dazzling new hope and a potential cornerstone for the next decade.

In many ways, Flagg's rookie year mirrors the immense pressure and expectation that surrounded LeBron James in 2003. The eyes of the basketball world will be glued to his every move. Can he live up to the monumental comparison? Can he help lead the Mavericks deep into the playoffs? Kendrick Perkins believes so, and as the 2025-26 season tips off, the entire league is waiting to see if this teenager is indeed the next face of the NBA. The future in Dallas has never looked brighter—or more intriguing.