Duke Phenom Cooper Flagg Heads to Dallas: Mavericks Secure #1 Pick
The Dallas Mavericks have officially selected Duke University forward Cooper Flagg as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, held Wednesday night in Brooklyn, New York. The highly anticipated pick marks a pivotal moment for both the 18-year-old phenom and the Mavericks franchise, signaling a definitive “franchise reset” following the earlier trade of star Luka Dončić.
Flagg, a consensus National College Player of the Year, now becomes just the second player in Mavericks history to be drafted first overall, joining Mark Aguirre (1981). At 18, he is also the second-youngest player ever taken with the top pick, with only LeBron James being younger when drafted in 2003.
“I feel amazing,” Flagg said after his name was called by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “It’s a dream come true to be honest.”
Flagg took a moment to acknowledge the unwavering support from his family and his hometown of Newport, Maine. “I wouldn’t want to share it with anyone else,” he shared. “I wouldn’t be here without these people right here and all my people back home in Maine. … It just means so much to see everyone here and supporting me.” His connection to his home state is so strong that Maine Governor Janet Mills proclaimed June 25th as “Cooper Flagg Day” to celebrate his remarkable achievement.
From Duke Dominance to Dallas Expectations
Flagg’s freshman season at Duke was nothing short of spectacular. He led the Blue Devils in all five major statistical categories across 37 games, averaging an impressive 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals. His performance earned him numerous accolades, including National College Player of the Year (becoming just the fourth freshman to win the Wooden Award alongside elite company like Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and Zion Williamson), National Freshman of the Year, ACC Player of the Year, and ACC Rookie of the Year.
Duke Head Coach Jon Scheyer lauded Flagg’s basketball IQ, calling him a “savant” with an “amazing understanding for what’s required to win and how to elevate everyone around him.”
Unlike many top picks who join rebuilding teams, Flagg arrives in Dallas to an established core featuring veteran champions like Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Klay Thompson. Notably, Anthony Davis was acquired mid-season as part of the trade package that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers – a controversial move that initially drew significant backlash from the Mavericks fanbase.
Addressing the context of the trade and the expectations, Flagg calmly stated he doesn’t feel undue pressure. “I’m just going to try to be myself all the time, and I’m going to push myself to be better and better every single day,” he explained pre-draft. “I’m not worried about living up to certain players’ expectations or things like that. I’m just going to be myself and really just try to get better every single day that I can.” He also expressed excitement about the passionate Mavericks fanbase he’s heard so much about.
A High-Impact Fit for the Mavericks
Mavericks management reportedly viewed Flagg as the “safest No. 1 pick in ages,” drawn to his versatile skillset, particularly his elite defense and playmaking abilities. His collegiate averages of 3.7 combined steals and blocks per game highlight his defensive prowess, a key area Dallas sought to address.
Flagg is expected to form a formidable defensive frontcourt alongside Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II, a trio projected by some insiders to be a top-5 rim-protecting unit in the league. This robust front line, also featuring Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington, has been praised by NBA insider Shams Charania as “arguably the best front line in the NBA,” crediting GM Nico Harrison’s strategic moves post-Dončić trade.
Flagg embraces the label of a “positionless” player, ready to contribute wherever needed on the court, whether pushing in transition, playing off-ball, cutting, or spotting up.
Beyond the Court: Maine Pride and Future Potential
Flagg’s journey to the NBA Draft is marked by early success and a deep connection to his roots. After leading his Maine high school team to a state championship as a freshman, he transferred to the prestigious Montverde Academy, reclassifying to become the undisputed top recruit in the 2024 class. His high school accolades included Gatorade National Player of the Year and Naismith Prep Player of the Year.
He also boasts significant experience against high-level competition, including being the youngest player to win USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year and practicing against the senior U.S. Men’s National Team ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. His childhood idol, Larry Bird, known for relentless effort and focus on the fundamentals, has been a clear influence on Flagg’s game, with some already drawing comparisons. He’s even been working on a one-legged fadeaway jumper, reminiscent of Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki. Flagg has already shown comfort playing in North Texas, putting up 24 points and 11 rebounds in a Duke win over SMU in Dallas earlier this year.
The decision to draft Flagg comes with significant financial implications, particularly given Texas’ zero state income tax. This move is projected to save Flagg millions compared to players drafted in states like California, aligning with the “killer mentality” the Mavericks reportedly targeted. Some projections see a pathway for Flagg to potentially become one of the wealthiest NBA players by age 31 through a combination of his rookie contract, a potential supermax extension, and lucrative endorsements (like his existing New Balance deal, influenced by the company’s Maine ties). A scout reportedly framed the pick not just as drafting a player, but a “$1 billion blueprint” for the franchise.
Flagg will wear jersey No. 32 for the Mavericks. His selection continues a strong legacy for Duke, as he becomes the fifth Blue Devil in the last 30 years to be drafted No. 1 overall.
While the arrival of Flagg and the strength of the new frontcourt heralds a promising new era in Dallas, the team faces immediate challenges, most notably the absence of All-Star guard Kyrie Irving, who is recovering from an ACL tear suffered in March and is not expected back until January or February 2026. The team is reportedly exploring options for temporary guard depth.
Ultimately, drafting Flagg is a high-stakes bet for the Mavericks, representing a significant strategic shift. How quickly the Duke star integrates and elevates this new-look roster will define the immediate future for basketball in Dallas.
