NEW YORK (AP) — On the night of February 1, as Cooper Flagg and his Duke teammates celebrated a hard-fought victory over North Carolina, news broke that would send shockwaves through the basketball community. The Dallas Mavericks announced they were trading superstar Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. Flagg recalled the moment, saying, “We just all started going crazy. It was such a shock. Like, it was craziness.”
As the dust settles from the Dončić trade, Flagg is poised to become the new face of the Mavericks. The highly anticipated 2025 NBA Draft is set to take place on Wednesday night at 8 PM ET, broadcast live on ESPN and ABC. Flagg is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick, following a remarkable single season with the Duke Blue Devils.
While many analysts and fans are convinced that Flagg is the right choice for the Mavericks, he remains humble about the situation. “I haven’t had that conversation at all,” Flagg stated, downplaying the certainty surrounding his selection. However, the Mavericks have ample reason to focus on Flagg, especially after he showcased his exceptional talent throughout the season.
Cooper Flagg’s collegiate career has been nothing short of extraordinary. He was named the consensus college player of the year, becoming only the fourth freshman to win the prestigious Wooden Award. During his time at Duke, Flagg averaged an impressive 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and was instrumental in leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four.
The Mavericks' luck turned when they defied the odds, turning a mere 1.8% chance into a lottery victory, thus earning the right to select first for the second time in the franchise’s history. Flagg participated in a workout with the Mavericks that he described as productive, lasting over an hour. Although he felt confident about the workout, he noted that the team never explicitly indicated he would be their pick.
Flagg’s potential selection holds special significance for his family. “I mean, my whole family is in Dallas and they’re stoked to be able to go to Mavs games and watch Cooper. He’s part of the family,” expressed Liam McNeeley, Flagg’s teammate at Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida. This familial connection adds an emotional layer to Flagg's journey in professional basketball.
If Flagg is indeed chosen as the first overall pick, it will mark a return to the traditional pattern of the NBA Draft, which saw one-and-done college players dominate the top spot for 13 consecutive years from 2010 to 2022. The last two No. 1 picks, Victor Wembanyama and Zaccharie Risacher, were international players from France, making Flagg’s selection a refreshing change.
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on the San Antonio Spurs, who hold the No. 2 pick and may select Wembanyama’s teammate. Rounding out the top five picks are the Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, and Utah Jazz. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the reigning NBA champions, hold two first-round selections, while the Brooklyn Nets possess four.
The NBA offseason has been bustling with activity, highlighted by trades involving stars like Kevin Durant and Jrue Holiday. Given the recent upheaval, it’s highly unlikely that the Mavericks would consider trading the rights to Flagg, especially after facing backlash from fans over the departure of the beloved Dončić. The former No. 3 pick in 2018 had led the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals and established himself as a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate.
As the draft nears, Cooper Flagg remains unfazed by the pressure of stepping into Luka Dončić's shoes. His confidence and determination suggest that he is ready to take on the challenges that come with being the face of a franchise. With the support of his family and the Mavericks’ fanbase, Flagg is poised to make a significant impact in the NBA.
