The Dallas Mavericks made franchise history tonight by selecting Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. This marks a bold new era for the organization, as Flagg, widely regarded as one of the most transcendent prospects of the past decade, becomes the cornerstone of a team seeking to return to NBA championship contention. The selection didn’t come as a surprise to most draft analysts and fans who have followed Flagg’s meteoric rise over the last several years, but the moment still felt monumental as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver read his name aloud in front of a packed Barclays Center crowd.
Cooper Flagg, a 6’9” forward with an elite combination of size, skill, IQ, and competitiveness, has long been the consensus top player in the 2025 class. After a standout season at Duke University, where he showcased a rare blend of two-way dominance and unselfish leadership, he cemented himself as the clear top choice for any team fortunate enough to win the lottery. Dallas, who lucked into the top pick in this year’s draft despite entering the lottery with long odds, now has the opportunity to build a future around a player many believe has the potential to be a generational superstar.
Flagg’s path to the NBA has been under the spotlight since his early high school days in Maine, where his skill and tenacity made him a household name among basketball aficionados. He dominated at Montverde Academy, then carried that momentum to Duke, where he played a pivotal role in the Blue Devils’ deep NCAA Tournament run. At every level, Flagg has stood out not just for his highlight-reel plays, but for his cerebral approach to the game, his commitment to defense, and his ability to make teammates better.
What makes Flagg so special is not just his raw talent—though he has plenty of that—but his complete game and mature approach. On the offensive end, he’s a fluid ball-handler, a capable shooter, and an excellent passer, especially in transition or out of the post. He can initiate offense from the wing, create his own shot off the dribble, and finish through contact. Defensively, he is a menace: a strong on-ball defender who can guard multiple positions, rotate instinctively, and block shots at a high rate. Flagg’s motor and competitiveness have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s all-time greats, and his mentality is often described as being years beyond his age.
In Dallas, Flagg joins a roster that has been on the cusp of greatness but lacked the consistency and two-way depth to get over the hump. With superstar Luka Dončić anchoring the backcourt and Flagg now entering the mix, the Mavericks suddenly have one of the most intriguing duos in the league. The potential synergy between Dončić’s elite playmaking and Flagg’s versatility on both ends of the floor has fans and analysts buzzing with excitement. This pairing could very well define the next decade of basketball in Dallas—and perhaps across the NBA landscape.
Team president Nico Harrison and head coach Jason Kidd both spoke glowingly about Flagg following the pick. Harrison described him as “a transformative talent who brings leadership, competitiveness, and a relentless drive to win,” while Kidd emphasized how Flagg’s presence on the floor “elevates everyone around him.” Both made clear that this selection was about more than just talent—it was about culture, identity, and building a foundation for sustainable success.
The Mavericks, fresh off a season filled with ups and downs, find themselves in a unique position. While many teams picking at the top of the draft are in full rebuilding mode, Dallas has a foundational star in Dončić and several key veterans already in place. This gives Flagg a rare opportunity to contribute meaningfully from day one while also learning and growing in a competitive environment. It also positions Dallas as a potential playoff contender much sooner than typical No. 1 pick scenarios would allow.
For Flagg, the selection caps off a whirlwind journey from high school prodigy to NBA top pick. Speaking after his name was called, he expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, and mentors, while also acknowledging the weight of expectations that come with the territory. “I’ve dreamed of this moment for as long as I can remember,” Flagg said. “Now that it’s here, I’m ready to work. Dallas believed in me, and I’m going to give them everything I’ve got.”
That mindset has endeared Flagg to fans and coaches throughout his career. He’s never shied away from the big moments, whether it was leading his AAU team to championships, shining under pressure at Duke, or representing the USA in international competition. In each instance, he has delivered—usually with poise, polish, and a competitive fire that sets him apart. Those close to him say that his confidence never borders on arrogance; it’s grounded in preparation, accountability, and a deep love for the game.
With the draft behind them, the Mavericks will now turn their attention to summer league and training camp, where Flagg will get his first taste of NBA action. All eyes will be on how quickly he adjusts to the speed and physicality of the professional game, but few doubt that he’ll find a way to thrive. His combination of size, skill, and smarts is tailor-made for today’s NBA, and the Mavericks are expected to give him every opportunity to showcase what he can do.
Flagg’s arrival also raises important strategic questions for Dallas. How will they balance touches between Dončić and Flagg? Will Flagg play more at the 3 or the 4? Can the team surround them with the right mix of shooting, defense, and veteran savvy to compete right away? These are questions that Harrison and Kidd will wrestle with in the months to come, but they are certainly good problems to have. For the first time in years, the Mavericks have a new face of the future to build around—one who complements, rather than competes with, their existing star.
Outside of Dallas, the selection reverberated across the league. Rival executives have long been enamored with Flagg’s potential, and many now view the Mavericks as a rising power in the Western Conference. Social media exploded with reactions from players, analysts, and fans, many of whom believe this move could mark the start of a special era in Mavericks history. Already, the comparisons are flying—some liken Flagg to a young Kevin Garnett, others see shades of Larry Bird or even LeBron James. But Flagg himself has made it clear: he’s not interested in comparisons. He’s here to forge his own path.
Still, expectations will be sky-high. Being the No. 1 pick always comes with pressure, and in a sports-crazed city like Dallas, the spotlight will be intense. But those who know Flagg best believe he’s more than ready. “He’s built for this,” said one of his former coaches. “The moment won’t be too big for him. He’s already thinking about the next challenge.”
That challenge will come soon enough, as the Mavericks prepare for summer workouts and the Las Vegas Summer League, where Flagg is expected to make his debut in a Dallas uniform. Fans will be eager to see how he meshes with teammates, how he handles the pace, and what kind of impact he can have on both ends of the floor. While it may take time for things to fully click, the belief is that Flagg’s floor is already high—and his ceiling, well, it might just be limitless.
In the broader scope of NBA history, picks like this often become inflection points. For Dallas, the decision to draft Cooper Flagg is not just about today—it’s about what this franchise wants to be tomorrow. It’s about signaling to the rest of the league that the Mavericks are serious about contending, about building around their stars, and about embracing a style of basketball that’s modern, dynamic, and built to win. It’s about ushering in a new identity that reflects the best parts of the Mavericks’ storied past while looking boldly toward the future.
Only time will tell how far Flagg can take them. But on this night, with fans cheering and hope renewed, the message was clear: Dallas believes. They believe in their vision, their team, and most importantly, they believe in Cooper Flagg.
