Flagg is averaging 20

Cooper Flagg has taken the lead in the Rookie of the Year race, and the numbers back it up. After scoring 96 points in a two-game stretch — 51 against Orlando, 45 against the Lakers — Flagg surged past Charlotte's Kon Knueppel to become the -250 favorite.

His season averages tell the story: 20.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists per game. The only rookies since the ABA-NBA merger to average at least 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists? Larry Bird. Michael Jordan. Luka Doncic. And now Cooper Flagg. That's the list.

At 19 years old, Flagg is doing things that would be impressive for a five-year vet. He's not just the best rookie — he's one of the best players on the floor every night. Knueppel has been outstanding in Charlotte, but Flagg's late-season explosion has separated him. The kid from Maine is going to be a problem for a very long time.