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Can He Surpass Larry Bird’s Legacy?

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Cooper Flagg

At just 19 years old, Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg has already etched his name into NBA history with a career-high 51-point explosion on April 3, 2026, becoming the first teenager ever to score 50 or more points in a game. The outburst, which included 19-of-30 shooting and six made threes in a 138-127 loss to the Orlando Magic, has intensified discussions about the young forward’s ceiling and whether he can one day surpass the legendary achievements of Larry Bird.

Flagg’s rookie season through 64 games shows impressive averages of 20.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game on 46.7% shooting. He leads the Mavericks in multiple categories and ranks among a select group of players averaging 20 points, six rebounds and four assists — a list populated largely by established All-Stars and superstars like Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic. The 6-foot-9, 205-pound forward from Newport, Maine, has also set franchise rookie scoring records and become the youngest player to record a 40-point game with 10 or more rebounds.

These feats come as the Mavericks navigate a challenging rebuilding phase, often without consistent supporting talent around their prized No. 1 overall pick from the 2025 draft. Flagg has shouldered heavy minutes at 33.8 per game, contributing defensively with 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks while showcasing playmaking vision that echoes elite two-way wings. His 51-point night capped a season filled with highlights, including a 49-point game in January that previously set the teenage scoring mark and multiple double-doubles.

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Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg

Comparisons to Larry Bird, the Boston Celtics icon and fellow Maine native, emerged early in Flagg’s college career at Duke and have only grown louder. Bird entered the NBA at age 22 after four years at Indiana State, averaging 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists as a rookie en route to Rookie of the Year honors. Over 13 seasons, Bird compiled 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game, earning three NBA championships, three MVP awards, two Finals MVPs, 12 All-Star selections and a spot on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.

Flagg, nearly four years younger than Bird was as a rookie, operates in a faster-paced, more athletic modern NBA with greater emphasis on spacing, three-point shooting and versatility. While Flagg’s rebounding and assist numbers trail Bird’s rookie marks, his scoring efficiency, defensive impact and ability to create in isolation or transition draw parallels to Bird’s basketball IQ, competitiveness and team-first mentality. Former Celtics players like Cedric Maxwell have noted similarities in shooting touch, facilitation and shot-blocking instincts.

Yet experts and analysts caution against premature conclusions. Bird transformed the Celtics into perennial contenders, leading them to titles in 1981, 1984 and 1986 while engaging in iconic rivalries with Magic Johnson’s Lakers. His clutch performances, trash-talking edge and unselfish play defined an era. Flagg, by contrast, plays on a Mavericks team that has struggled, with the rookie admitting the season has been “mentally taxing” amid frequent losses.

Discussions on podcasts and social media highlight the debate. Some, including commentators on “All The Smoke,” acknowledge Flagg’s superior athleticism and two-way potential but argue Bird’s intangibles and championship pedigree place him in a rare category. Others point out that matching Bird would require Flagg to lead multiple title runs, earn multiple MVPs and sustain elite production over a decade-plus career. Stephen Jackson and others have pushed back on early claims that Flagg could become the greatest white American player ever, emphasizing Bird’s unmatched impact.

Flagg himself has embraced the comparisons while staying grounded. He grew up studying Bird’s film, influenced by his family’s Celtics fandom. In a lighthearted commercial exchange, Bird quipped “Not if I’m guarding you” when Flagg playfully referenced surpassing him, underscoring the respect between the Maine legends. Flagg has described the mental grind of the NBA as a learning experience, focusing on development rather than individual accolades.

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Projecting forward, Flagg’s trajectory appears promising. At his current pace, he is on track for strong Rookie of the Year consideration despite the team’s record. His ability to lead in 25-points, five-rebounds, five-assists games with zero turnovers ranks among the league’s best this season. As his body matures and the Mavericks add complementary pieces, many scouts envision him evolving into a perennial All-Star and potential MVP candidate.

Key factors will determine if Flagg can approach or exceed Bird’s legacy. Health is paramount; Bird’s career was shortened by back issues, while Flagg has already dealt with a foot sprain. Team success matters immensely — Bird thrived alongside Hall of Famers like Kevin McHale and Robert Parish. Flagg will need similar supporting casts or to elevate those around him, much like modern stars have done.

The modern game favors Flagg’s skill set. Today’s emphasis on positionless basketball, spacing and defensive versatility could allow his athleticism and playmaking to shine brighter than in Bird’s era. Flagg’s three-point shooting, though still developing at 27.8%, has shown flashes, and his efficiency inside the arc remains strong. Improved spacing and rule changes could amplify his impact compared to the physical, post-heavy 1980s.

Critics note that Bird’s intangibles — leadership, clutch gene and ability to make teammates better — set an extraordinarily high bar. Flagg has displayed poise and competitiveness, but translating rookie flashes into sustained dominance over 13 seasons requires consistency, adaptability and luck with injuries and roster construction.

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Mavericks coaches and executives have expressed confidence in Flagg as the franchise cornerstone. His work ethic, basketball intelligence and willingness to play multiple positions align with what built championship cultures. As the team rebuilds, Flagg’s growth could accelerate with better talent around him.

In the broader NBA landscape, Flagg joins a wave of young stars redefining the league. His rookie exploits already rival or exceed those of recent No. 1 picks in certain metrics, fueling optimism. Yet surpassing Bird would place him among the all-time greats, a feat requiring multiple championships, individual awards and cultural impact.

For now, the question remains speculative. Flagg has the tools, mentality and early production to fuel the conversation for years. Bird’s legacy as one of the greatest to play remains secure, but the 19-year-old from Maine has given fans and analysts reason to dream about what his career might become.

As the 2025-26 season winds down, Flagg continues to chase history while the Mavericks focus on long-term development. Whether he ultimately surpasses Larry Legend depends on factors beyond any single rookie season. What is clear is that Cooper Flagg has arrived as a special talent, one whose journey will be measured against the highest standards in basketball lore.

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Amprius Technologies: Growth Continues To Impress, But Valuation Is Getting Lofty

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Amprius Technologies: Growth Continues To Impress, But Valuation Is Getting Lofty

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David focuses on growth & momentum stocks that are reasonably priced and likely to outperform the market over the long-term. He is a long term investor of quality stocks and uses options for strategy. David told investors to buy in March 2009 at the bottom of the financial crisis. The S&P 500 increased 367% and the Nasdaq increased 685% from 2009 through 2019. He wants to help make people money by investing in high-quality growth stocks.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of QS either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

The article is for informational purposes only (not a solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell stocks). David is not a registered investment adviser. Investors should do their own research or consult a financial adviser to determine what investments are appropriate for their individual situation. This article expresses my opinions, and I cannot guarantee that the information/results will be accurate. Investing in stocks involves risk and could result in losses.

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Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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I'm Not Ready To Write A Check For Visa, Earnings Preview

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I'm Not Ready To Write A Check For Visa, Earnings Preview

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Tyneside care training provider opens India base

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The facility is the first outside of the UK for Training in Care

Dr Angela Brown, founder and CEO of Training in Care.

Dr Angela Brown, founder and CEO of Training in Care.(Image: Creo Comms)

South Shields firm Training in Care has launched its first centre outside of the UK with a move to target the Indian market.

The provider of industry courses in South Tyneside and Sunderland has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Guardian Angel Institute of Caregiving, which has 300 carers in the Kerala region and has provided care to thousands since its launch 2012. Working with Institute, the firm aims to upskill workers from across the country’s care sector.

Training in Care says it aims improve the quality of life for care receivers in India and address problems in the UK’s domestic care sector by sharing knowledge and best practice. The company has also entered into a two-year knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) with University of Sunderland to support the move.

Dr Angela Brown, founder and CEO of Training in Care, said: “Opening our first training centre outside of the UK is an incredibly proud moment for everyone associated with the business. Over the past 27 years, we’ve helped thousands of people gain the skills required to enter or progress their career in the care sector, so we’ve seen first-hand the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

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“For example, while we have made real in-roads in the UK to ensure our carers have the required social care skills to enter the industry, for too long we have overlooked the need for basic healthcare skills, which is something that is seen as essential for anyone working in the industry in India. At the same time, their care sector hasn’t adopted the same quality of care standards which we have.

“This is why initiatives like this are so important, as it will allow peers in both countries to share best practice and knowledge and ensure that the tens of millions of people receiving care in both countries receive the best possible care and support. It fills us with immense pride to be expanding internationally and to be working alongside the fantastic teams at Guardian Angels and University of Sunderland. We can’t wait to get started.”

Announcing the partnership, Dr Usher Titus, chair of Kerala’s Additional Skill Acquisition Programme, an initiative led by the Higher Education Department, said: “On one side, we have an institution rooted deeply in care and clinical excellence – Guardian Angel Institute of Caregiving – shaping compassionate, skilled professionals here in India. And on the other hand, we have a globally respected name – Training in Care – with decades of expertise and internationally recognised standards.

“They bring a system that ensures that caregiving is not just practiced, but it is perfected. And I can undoubtedly say that individually, they represent excellence. And together, they are going to represent something far greater – a bridge, a pathway, an opportunity for the aspiring caregivers to step beyond borders, to learn, to grow. It’s not just a collaboration; it’s the beginning of a global pathway for a career in caregiving.”

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Dr Derek Watson, associate professor in cultural management at University of Sunderland, said: “Securing a KTP with Training in Care, worth £200,000, is predicated around the University of Sunderland actively supporting UK organisations and clearly demonstrating that the University has the commercial expertise to tangibly grow businesses.

“Our relationship with Training in Care has been actively nurtured over several years and we are delighted in that this is Training in Care’s first KTP. The two-year project will focus on strategic growth in terms of profit, innovation, and global market expansion. It will also continue to provide a reciprocal gateway to enrich our student commercial insights as they observe Training Cares growth.”

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ServiceNow Stock: Don’t Throw The Baby Out With The Bathwater (NYSE:NOW)

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ServiceNow Stock: Don't Throw The Baby Out With The Bathwater (NYSE:NOW)

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For almost a decade, I held research analyst positions in various investment firms, mostly in Toronto. I started in sell-side research with a Canadian bank, then moved to a hedge fund, followed by a family office and then finished my career in wealth management. I was 20 on my first day on Bay Street. I will forever remember. I had worked so hard to get there, from a small French-speaking town in Québec. Getting my CFA and CAIA designations by 25 was another important milestone. I was a young man with a dream, wanting to make it big. However, life was about to teach me a painful lesson. Before conquering the world, a man must first conquer himself by going into the depths of his own abyss. Only then may he shed his naivety and become a man truly able to love.For the last four years, I have been living in a yurt in the boreal forest, approximately 100 kilometres away from the closest paved road or grocery store. In a forest full of birds, just beside a lake full of fish. For water, I go to the creek. For heat, there is plenty of white birch and quaking aspen around. If I need anything in town, I have plenty of money for my needs. I am now 30, in love, and as free as the birds in the skies, so what else can I ask for? In all humility, and in all gratitude, I say thank you to this grandiose symphony we call life.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of NOW either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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ACV: Discounted Valuation Means It's Time To Buy (Rating Upgrade)

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ACV: Discounted Valuation Means It's Time To Buy (Rating Upgrade)

ACV: Discounted Valuation Means It's Time To Buy (Rating Upgrade)

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ELD: Current Income And Lower Dollar Beneficiary

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Oil Shock, AI Tailwinds, And Portfolio Shifts Across Emerging Markets

ELD: Current Income And Lower Dollar Beneficiary

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Jobs created as gaming machine supplier strikes key national deal

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Bob Rudd has joined forces with South East-based counterpart SX Leisure for the contract

Bob Rudd has been operating since 1989.

Charlotte and Nick Rudd, of pubs supplier Bob Rudd.(Image: Bob Rudd)

Gambling machine and pool tables specialist Bob Rudd has created jobs on the back of a major contract to supply pubs across the country.

The Tyneside firm has partnered with Witham firm SX Leisure to feed Inspired Entertainment with equipment and servicing to venues, from Northumberland and Cumbria to the West Midlands. The move has created 40 jobs, and will see the two firms supply 1,000 pubs.

Nick Rudd, managing director the Brunswick Village firm, said: “It’s been a busy few months but we couldn’t be happier with how things have gone. Being selected to support a significant portfolio of pub venues previously supplied by Inspired has given us the opportunity to bring our service-first model to even more venues and the feedback from customers has been fantastic.

“It’s a real testament to the dedication of our entire team — both existing staff and new arrivals.”

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He added: “The move has also strengthened staffing — with new colleagues joining the business — and enhanced our ability to provide responsive, high-quality support nationwide. We’re seeing the benefits of scale without compromising the independent, service-led approach for which the business is known.”

Together the two companies have taken on more than 1,800 machines across 1,000 venues with SX Leisure reporting a 30% uptick in business. Greg Wood, director at SX Leisure, said: “It’s been an exciting challenge for both our existing team and those who’ve joined us during this process.

“The response from both our longstanding clients and new venues has been overwhelmingly positive. Our new colleagues have hit the ground running and I can’t thank the entire team enough for delivering the full SX Leisure experience at scale.”

As well headquarters in Witham, SX also has depots in Yeovil and Washington. Mr Wood added: “Our growth has never been taken for granted and this is just the beginning of the next chapter in SX Leisure’s journey.”

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Inspired continues to supply both companies as well as supplying retail gaming and betting businesses — including licensed betting shops, bingo and slots rooms, motorway services and pubs. Ian Shreeve, vice president and general manager gaming sales UK at Inspired said “This partnership has been everything we hoped for.

“Both the Bob Rudd and SX Leisure teams have delivered on every level — providing efficient operations, dependable service and a customer-first mindset. Inspired remains fully committed to the UK pub market and this collaboration ensures that pubs and customers continue to receive the highest-quality games, terminals, service and support.”

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The 1-Minute Market Report, April 26, 2026 (NYSEARCA:SPY)

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My Dividend Stock Portfolio: New February Dividend Record - 100 Holdings With 12 Buys

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I spent 30 years in the institutional trenches as a trader, analyst, and portfolio manager, eventually running the equity trading desk at Northern Trust in Chicago. Those decades shaped my approach: stay disciplined, trust the data, and keep emotion out of the way. Since 2009, when I began publishing my stock selections, my portfolio has delivered solid long term results—compounding in the mid teens annually through 2025. Today I’m a private investor and investing coach, with a rules based framework that helps people build better portfolios. My work focuses on systematic thinking, behavioral awareness, and evidence over opinion. For my market outlook and model portfolio updates, visit zeninvestor.org. .

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of NVDA, AVGO, GOOGL either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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Earnings call transcript: Beiersdorf AG Q1 2026 reports mixed results, stock dips

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Earnings call transcript: Beiersdorf AG Q1 2026 reports mixed results, stock dips

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US intercepts sanctioned merchant vessel in Arabian Sea, Central Command says

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US intercepts sanctioned merchant vessel in Arabian Sea, Central Command says

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