Dallas — As expected, the Dallas Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg with the number one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, which took place last Wednesday night.
Flagg, a forward from Duke University, was chosen as the consensus top prospect after an incredible freshman season where he averaged over twenty points and ten rebounds per game for the Blue Devils. After being selected, a clearly emotional Flagg delivered a heartfelt message saying “Growing up, I dreamed that one day I could be in the NBA and have the opportunity to play at the highest level. To now achieve that dream by being drafted number one overall is an indescribable feeling. I want to thank God for the path he has paved for me and for allowing me to share this unforgettable moment with my family and loved ones who have supported me every step of the way.”
Despite Dallas only having a paltry one point eight percent chance of winning the draft lottery prior to the event, fate intervened and granted the Mavericks both the number one overall pick and the chance to select the gifted but humble Flagg, who has been on the radar of NBA scouts since dominating at the high school level before making an instant impact in his freshman year of college basketball.
The 6-foot-8, 221-pound forward, who won’t turn 19 until December 21st, burst onto the scene at Duke University, vastly exceeding already monumental expectations for his singular freshman campaign. A consensus All-American, Paolo Banchero added numerous prestigious accolades to his resume, including wins of the Wooden Award and Naismith Trophy, while averaging 19.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game to lead the Blue Devils to a 35-4 record and a standout appearance in the Final Four.
Dallas Mavericks Draft Cooper Flagg: What It Means for the Team’s Future
Flagg’s arrival in Dallas comes less than five months after the Mavericks traded their five-time All-NBA star Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in a shocking blockbuster move — a trade that deeply upset the franchise’s fanbase following a trip to the NBA Finals last season.
Flagg’s hire is regarded as crucial for addressing business concerns and fan apprehension after the departure of Dončić. He will likely join a deep frontcourt rotation with ten-time All-Star Anthony Davis, center Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and forwards P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, and Caleb Martin. Flagg expressed his eagerness saying,” I want to be like a sponge — go in, absorb everything, be around Hall of Fame-caliber players and just learn from them. It’s going to be an incredible experience.”