Like every other rookie who has ever played in the NBA, Cooper Flagg has run into off nights where’s he’s struggled in a statistical category or two. As far as Flagg’s head coach is concerned, the only way out is through for the top overall pick.
Speaking to reporters prior to the Dallas Mavericks-Houston Rockets matchup on Saturday, Jason Kidd acknowledged the so-called “rookie wall” that Flagg has been dealing with. Far from being bothered by Flagg’s struggles, Kidd offered advice that comes from playing at an elite level in the NBA.
He’s gotta touch it. He’s gotta rub it and hold it. He’s gotta embrace it. That’s just a mental thing. For the great ones, they touch it, they don’t run from it. They find a way to go over it or through it or around it, because it’s not gonna move.
Jason Kidd on how he can help Cooper Flagg through the rookie wall:
“He’s gotta touch it. He’s gotta rub it and hold it. He’s gotta embrace it. That’s just a mental thing. For the great ones, they touch it, they don’t run from it. They find a way to go over it or through it or… pic.twitter.com/2BLNWbZ1PA
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) January 4, 2026
Kidd, who won co-Rookie of the Year honors in 1995 before earning 10 All-Star selections in his career, went on to reference a challenge that he posed for the former Duke star upon his entry into the league.
Just like playing point guard, it’s gonna be uncomfortable, but he’s responded in a positive way.
Heading into Saturday’s matchup against the Rockets, Cooper Flagg’s scoring had steadily dipped over a five-game span. On December 23, he scored 33 points in a win over the Denver Nuggets; by New Year’s Day, Flagg mustered just 12 points on 5-for-15 shooting from the field in a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
In the game that ensued after Kidd commented on Flagg’s “rookie wall,” the Rockets pulled off a 110-104 victory but the star rookie scored only 10 points. To Flagg’s credit, he also tallied seven rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block.
Kidd, who made a name for himself as an all-around competitor, will certainly keep pushing Cooper Flagg to be consistent in his scoring while also chipping in elsewhere on the stat sheet.
“I Think He’s Playing Good Basketball”: Cooper Flagg’s 10x All-Star Teammate Weighs in on His “Rookie Wall”
Another individual who isn’t too bothered by Cooper Flagg’s struggles is Anthony Davis, who told reporters after the Mavericks-Rockets game that his young teammate is still in good shape.
I think every rookie hits it where they kinda go through a stretch, but I think he’s playing good basketball.
Flagg has a kindred spirit in Davis, who was also a top overall pick who entered the NBA with high expectations. There’s no telling, though, how long they’ll keep playing together as Davis has figured heavily in trade talks as of late.
