Former New York Knicks Head Coach Reveals Surprising Pick For 2026-2027 MVP Race

Former New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale has added an unexpected name to the 2026-27 MVP conversation: Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg, who is only in his second NBA season. Speaking on NBA TV's The Association, Fizdale pointed to Flagg's growth since last year as the reason he believes the young forward belongs in the race, and he made the case with confidence.

Fizdale Makes His Case

Before the show wrapped, Fizdale asked the panel for a moment to share a prediction. “Can I give you my prediction before we go? I think Cooper Flagg is going to be in the MVP vote,” he said. Asked to explain, he focused on what he has seen from Flagg this season, especially how the forward handles the ball. “I just watched him playing now and how he is playing and the step that he is taking, handling the basketball. Like I said earlier, Kyrie let him do what he does,” he continued.

He framed the leap as the next stage of a strong rookie year rather than a sudden change. “Man he is taking the big step. He was good last year. He looks like he is going for it and I think he will be someone people will be voting for the MVP,” Fizdale added.

The prediction also came with some context. A host asked whether Fizdale's pick was prompted by Anthony Edwards going down with an injury. Fizdale clarified that Edwards was already part of his thinking. “Well I had Antman too. I thought he would be like one of the five in the mix. But I think this kid is jumping into the mix,” he said. In other words, he sees Flagg as an addition to the field rather than a replacement for an injured contender.

Flagg's Numbers So Far

The early statistics support the enthusiasm. Dallas has played six games, including its first NBA Cup group-stage matchup against the Houston Rockets, and Flagg is averaging 26.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.6 assists. That is a clear step up from his rookie averages of 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists: nearly six more points and more than two additional assists per game, with rebounding dipping slightly. The jump in playmaking lines up with Fizdale's comments about Flagg's ball handling. In his most recent outing, against the Rockets, Flagg scored 33 points.