There are only 45 rookies who got named in to the All-Star Game. The last one was Blake Griffin in 2011 but that was more than a decade ago. Can Dallas Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg be added to that list?
For now, there’s more work to do for his fans. The first turnout of 2026 NBA All-Star Fan Voting has him at the 16th spot in the Western Conference. Fans will have to vote more as Flagg shows time and time again that he deserves that spot.
Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo remain the leaders in their conferences in the second fan returns in NBA All-Star Voting 2026.
Fans (50% of the vote) join NBA players (25%) and a media panel (25%) in selecting five players in each conference honored as starters. pic.twitter.com/u8tlbj9GA8
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 6, 2026
In the meantime, Flagg is a shoo-in for Rising Stars showcase. There’s also other ways he can lend his skills to the festivities. Through the 3-point dunk contest and the 3-point contest. Will he participate though, especially with the load that he’s been having. Coach Jason Kidd recently revealed that he has been playing through pain lately.
Cooper Flagg on All-Star Festivities
Flagg is not sure about being in the Dunk Contest but he does not want to close doors. As for the 3-point contest, he thought there are other guys who should get the spot.
Asked Cooper Flagg if he’d consider entering the dunk contest during next month’s NBA All-Star Weekend:
“See, I don’t know if I can really compete. I’m more of an in-game dunker so never say never, but I don’t know if I can really compete.”
He was jokingly asked about the… pic.twitter.com/fk3b8Cgu6J
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) January 8, 2026
Flagg in the Dunk Contest will not be farfetched as he’s not a bad dunker himself. Maybe he can consult some for creativity to make him contest ready.
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