Cooper Flagg Draws Chris Paul Praise as Mavericks Eye Next Era in NBA Draft Shake-Up
The winds of change are blowing strong in Dallas. With the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Mavericks find themselves at the epicenter of a basketball renaissance—one that could begin with 18-year-old phenom Cooper Flagg. And if 12-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul’s latest remarks are any indication, the league might want to brace for what’s coming.
Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Paul didn’t mince words. “I’m in LA right now and Cooper Flagg is out there…I’ve been in the gym with him a couple times and he’s as advertised,” Paul said. “The Mavs getting the number one pick is crazy.”
Flagg, a 6’9″ forward out of Duke, has long been projected as the top pick in this year’s draft. His freshman campaign was nothing short of sensational: 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game across 37 appearances. More than just statistics, Flagg’s presence on the floor lifted the Blue Devils to the Final Four before they were ousted by the eventual champions, the Florida Gators.
But it’s not just the numbers that have NBA veterans taking notice—it’s the poise, the maturity, the two-way dominance. And now, he’s poised to become the cornerstone of a franchise that just closed the chapter on the Luka Doncic era.
A Lottery Shock That Shook the League
Dallas wasn’t supposed to be here. With only a 1.8% chance to win the draft lottery, the Mavericks stunned the basketball world by vaulting ten spots to land the number one pick. It marks the first time in franchise history that Dallas will select first overall.
The pick couldn’t come at a more crucial time. The Mavericks recently sent Doncic to the Lakers in a blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis, signaling a dramatic roster reconfiguration and the beginning of a new identity.
Enter Cooper Flagg.
He’s young. He’s talented. And if Chris Paul is to be believed, he’s ready.
Is Paul Dropping Hints?
But Paul’s comments didn’t just shine a spotlight on Flagg—they opened the door to speculation about his own future. Paul, 40, is officially still a member of the San Antonio Spurs, but becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Dallas, now without Kyrie Irving due to a season-ending ACL injury, is suddenly in need of veteran leadership in the backcourt. And with no other true point guard currently under contract, Paul’s name naturally surfaces as a potential fit.
“I’ve been away from [my family] for the last six years,” Paul admitted during the show. “My son just turned 16, my daughter is 12… I don’t think I want to play for a while while. I want to be Dad.”
Even with his desire to spend more time with his family, Paul made it clear the passion for the game still burns. “I still love to play. I was up in the gym at 6 a.m. this morning. I want to hoop, because I love to hoop.”
Could that love lead him to mentor Flagg in Dallas, perhaps in a supporting role as the rookie takes the reins of the franchise? NBA insider Marc Stein believes it’s a possibility worth watching, noting Paul as a “name to monitor” in Dallas’ search for backcourt depth.
The financials may be a hurdle—Paul earned $10 million in San Antonio and would likely need to take a pay cut to fit under Dallas’ current cap structure—but the fit is intriguing. Veteran experience, a true point guard, and a basketball IQ that remains elite—Paul could be the perfect stabilizer for a young Mavericks team about to enter uncharted territory.
A New Chapter in Dallas
The city of Dallas has seen its share of basketball icons: Dirk Nowitzki’s loyalty, Luka Doncic’s brilliance, and Jason Kidd’s championship orchestration. But the post-Doncic era promises something entirely different. Cooper Flagg, with his polished skillset and relentless work ethic, offers a unique blend of youth and readiness.
The moment seems tailor-made for a star to rise.
Chris Paul’s words may have been casual in delivery, but their weight reverberates through front offices and fan bases alike. When a player with Paul’s résumé calls a prospect “as advertised,” it doesn’t just spark headlines—it sets expectations.
So as draft night inches closer and the Mavericks prepare to officially welcome Flagg to the NBA, one thing is clear: this is more than just a top pick. This is the start of a new dynasty-in-the-making, and all eyes are locked on Dallas.
Stay tuned.
Leave a Reply