The 2025 NBA Draft has been a pivotal event for basketball enthusiasts, and The Athletic provided live coverage of this exciting night. In a stunning turn of events, the Dallas Mavericks have officially welcomed the “kid from Duke,” Cooper Flagg, who has been chosen as the No. 1 overall pick. Flagg, an 18-year-old forward hailing from Newport, Maine, showcased his exceptional talent during his college career, which culminated in this momentous selection on Wednesday night.
Cooper Flagg's rise to the top of the draft board has been nothing short of remarkable. Last April, he became the fifth freshman to win the prestigious Naismith College Player of the Year award, making history as the first male to achieve this feat since Zion Williamson in 2019. During his season at Duke, Flagg averaged an impressive 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks. He played a crucial role in leading Duke to a 35-4 record, starting 37 of 39 games and missing only two due to a sprained ankle in the ACC Tournament.
The Dallas Mavericks experienced an extraordinary stroke of luck when they defied the odds with a mere 1.8 percent chance of landing the No. 1 pick in the draft lottery. This was a historic moment for the franchise, marking the first time since the inception of the lottery in 1985 that the Mavericks moved up in the draft. This fortuitous turn of events has allowed them to acquire Flagg, a versatile 6-foot-8 forward who possesses the potential to become a two-way force on the court.
The Mavericks are preparing to compete at a high level, led by their star players, Anthony Davis (32) and Kyrie Irving (33). Unlike many players in his position, Flagg will not be part of a rebuilding project but will instead join a team focused on winning immediately. “I’m excited to be a sponge, to get down there and just learn, be surrounded by Hall of Fame caliber guys,” Flagg expressed, highlighting his eagerness to learn from seasoned professionals like Irving and Davis. “To be able to learn from them, it’s gonna be an incredible experience.”
Despite being one of the youngest players in the draft class, Flagg has already demonstrated a remarkably well-rounded skill set. In August 2023, he reclassified to attend college a year early, narrowly avoiding draft ineligibility. With his 19th birthday coming up in December, Flagg has already made significant strides in his game. At Duke, he showcased his ability to score from all three levels, led his team in assists, and proved to be a tenacious defender.
Flagg’s performance during the NCAA Tournament was particularly noteworthy. He played a pivotal role in Duke’s Sweet 16 victory over Arizona, where he scored 30 points, recorded seven assists, grabbed six rebounds, and blocked three shots. This performance made him the first freshman in NCAA Tournament history to achieve at least 25 points, five rebounds, and three blocks in a single game.
The Mavericks believe that Cooper Flagg will enhance their dynamics on both ends of the court. General Manager Nico Harrison stirred controversy earlier this year when he traded the former star, Luka Dončić, to the Los Angeles Lakers for Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick, citing the philosophy that “defense wins championships.” Flagg fits perfectly into Harrison's vision for establishing a defense-first culture.
When asked about his relationship with head coach Jason Kidd, Flagg mentioned that while they hadn’t discussed his future roles in detail, Kidd expressed excitement about what Flagg could bring to the team. “He’s gonna let me have the ball a little bit, I think, and just try to rock out and do what I can do,” Flagg said, indicating his readiness to embrace the challenge ahead.
Cooper Flagg has a proven track record of excelling against older and more experienced competition. Last year, he earned a coveted invitation to scrimmage against the U.S. Olympic team, which ultimately secured a gold medal in Paris. Flagg received glowing reviews for his performance against elite players, including LeBron James, showcasing his readiness to transition to the NBA.
As Flagg embarks on his professional journey with the Mavericks, there is a palpable sense of excitement surrounding his potential to become a star in the league. Unlike many lottery picks, he is stepping into a team that is already poised for immediate success, making his transition to the NBA even more thrilling for fans and analysts alike.
