Cooper Flagg: Why He’s the Undisputed No. 1 Pick for the Dallas Mavericks
The 2025 NBA Draft holds immense promise for the Dallas Mavericks, who defied astronomical 1.8% odds to secure the coveted No. 1 overall selection in the lottery. For Mavericks fans who endured a frustrating season following the trade of superstar Luka Dončić, landing the top pick provides a much-needed jolt of optimism. And standing at the forefront of this draft class, as the consensus, sure-fire first overall pick, is Duke phenom Cooper Flagg.
At just 18 years and 6 months old, Flagg is already drawing comparisons to elite prospects of the past two decades. What makes the 6-foot-8, 221-pound combo forward such a unanimous choice for NBA executives and scouts who have watched him for years? Simply put, it’s his perceived lack of any significant weaknesses. He embodies the ideal “prototype NBA prospect,” almost as if engineered for modern basketball demands.
A Player Without Weaknesses
Flagg’s game is characterized by remarkable consistency, fierce competitiveness, and a selfless approach. He’s a student of the game who understands how to play the “right way,” prioritizing winning plays over individual statistics. This mindset, combined with his diverse skill set, makes him incredibly effective.
During his freshman year at Duke, Flagg showcased his all-around impact, leading the team in scoring (19.2 PPG), rebounding (7.5 RPG), assists (4.2 APG), and steals. His statistical profile alone highlights his versatility. Specific skills that impress include:
Outstanding footwork
Effectiveness in the low post with either hand
Advanced playmaking ability for his size
Reliable catch-and-shoot 3-pointer
Active and impactful weakside defense
Physicality and willingness to initiate contact
Beyond the stats, Flagg plays with confidence and visibly added muscle during his collegiate season, enhancing his readiness for the professional level.
Impressing Against NBA Talent
A pivotal moment that solidified Flagg’s standing with scouts occurred during Team USA’s training camp for the Olympics. As the youngest member of the USA Select Team, he scrimmaged against NBA luminaries like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Anthony Edwards. An NBA assistant coach who witnessed these sessions was astounded by Flagg’s poise and effortless play.
Recounting a specific sequence, the coach described Flagg hitting a 3-pointer, posting up Jrue Holiday for a midrange jumper, executing a tip jam, and finishing with a fast-break pullup – all within a short span. The coach noted that based on that performance, he wouldn’t have guessed Flagg was only 17 at the time. Flagg remained calm under pressure, even against elite defenders like Holiday, demonstrating an ability to do “everything” without arrogance, focused purely on “just hooping.”
High Praise and Low Risk
ESPN analyst and former Duke star Jay Bilas offered glowing praise, calling Flagg the “best freshman player Duke has ever had.” Bilas highlighted Flagg’s ultra-competitiveness as his most standout attribute, placing him in the “top tier” of competitive players. Bilas also pointed out that Flagg’s focus on making the “right play” consistently results in impressive, all-around stat lines.
Former Suns GM Ryan McDonough echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Flagg’s remarkably high “floor.” McDonough believes that even in a worst-case scenario, Flagg projects as a “very good NBA player,” while his upside is potentially “great.” This maturity and well-roundedness make him a low-risk choice for any franchise. McDonough went as far as to say Flagg fits the mold of a versatile two-way wing player better than almost any prospect in the last 10-15 years, placing him just below generational talents like LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama since 2003.
The Mavericks’ Clear Choice
The Dallas Mavericks appear unequivocally sold on Flagg. Reports indicate the organization invited him to begin house hunting in the Dallas area and meet extensively with team officials. For a franchise navigating its path after the Dončić trade, Flagg is viewed not as a direct replacement, but as a potential third cornerstone, following in the footsteps of Dončić and Dirk Nowitzki, crucial for shaping the team’s future culture.
Beyond his on-court talent, Flagg’s intangibles have also impressed. Teams noted his rare maturity and focus for his age during interviews. His humility, eagerness to improve, and willingness to integrate into a team’s culture reportedly eliminated any potential concerns about his off-court demeanor or adaptability to the NBA lifestyle.
The 2025 NBA Draft is set to begin on Wednesday, June 25th, in Brooklyn, New York. While the rest of the lottery picks remain uncertain, the prevailing sentiment is clear: Cooper Flagg is the unquestioned No. 1 pick, and the Dallas Mavericks are poised to add a transformative, low-risk, high-upside talent to their roster.
