The Flagg Has Been Raised: Mavericks Select Cooper Flagg No. 1 Overall in 2025 NBA Draft
The future of the Dallas Mavericks officially began on Wednesday night. With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg, the electrifying forward from Duke who has been heralded as a generational talent long before he ever played a college game.
This moment didn’t come by chance—it came by miracle. The Mavericks entered the 2025 draft lottery with only a 1.8% chance of landing the top pick. But fate had other plans, and that improbable win turned into a franchise-altering opportunity. With Luka Dončić shockingly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers just months prior, the Mavericks needed a new face of the franchise. In Flagg, they didn’t just find a face—they found a future.
A Star Is Born: The Rise of Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg’s name has been known in basketball circles for years, but his stock exploded when he reclassified and enrolled early at Duke. From the moment he stepped onto the court in Durham, he was everything NBA scouts had dreamed of—and more.
Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 221 pounds, Flagg brought elite athleticism, high-level decision-making, and a competitive edge that made him stand out even among the nation’s best. In his lone college season, he averaged:
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19.4 points
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7.5 rebounds
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4.2 assists
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1.4 blocks
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1.4 steals per game
He not only led Duke to a 35-4 record and a Final Four appearance, but also swept major individual honors including the Wooden Award and the Naismith Player of the Year Award. It wasn’t just about stats—Flagg showed poise, leadership, and a two-way motor that screamed franchise cornerstone.
Why Dallas Made the Move: Redemption After Luka
Dallas needed this. After the controversial blockbuster deal that sent Luka Dončić, a five-time All-NBA selection and the heart of the franchise, to the Lakers, the Mavericks found themselves reeling—on the court and at the box office. Fans were furious, morale was low, and the team missed the playoffs, finishing 39-43 and losing in the play-in.
Enter Cooper Flagg.
The pick is not just about basketball—it’s about hope, redemption, and a new identity. In the wake of the Doncic era, Dallas needed a transcendent talent to rally around, and Flagg checks every box. He is expected to start immediately and be given the green light to lead a franchise in transition.
A New Era in the West
The Mavericks are reloading—not rebuilding. While Flagg may be the new face, he’s walking into a locker room that isn’t short on talent.
He’ll share the frontcourt with 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis, providing Dallas with one of the most unique and athletic big-man duos in the league. Surrounding them are Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, and Caleb Martin—a physically imposing rotation built to compete in the rugged Western Conference.
Flagg’s versatility allows him to slot in as a small forward or power forward, and his court vision will help fill the massive playmaking void left behind by Doncic. His ability to create off the dribble, hit midrange jumpers, and lock down on defense makes him a perfect modern NBA wing.
What Makes Cooper Flagg Special?
Flagg isn’t just another No. 1 pick. He’s the first high school player from Maine to become a national phenomenon, the first Duke freshman since Zion to live up to the hype, and now, the first piece in the Mavericks’ new era.
His game is already drawing comparisons to a young Larry Bird with more bounce, a smarter Shawn Marion, or even a bigger Brandon Ingram with elite instincts. Coaches love his humility, scouts rave about his motor, and teammates speak highly of his leadership.
And here’s the most important part: Flagg wins. At every level, in every environment, he’s been a winner. That mentality is exactly what the Mavericks are betting on.
What’s Next for Dallas?
With Flagg on board, Dallas can move forward with a clear identity: a defensive-minded, high-IQ, positionless squad built around versatility and toughness. Expect Flagg to handle the ball early, operate in pick-and-rolls with Davis and Gafford, and serve as a focal point of both the offense and defense.
It’s not outlandish to suggest the Mavericks could return to playoff contention immediately, especially if Flagg adapts quickly and the supporting cast stays healthy.
The front office will likely continue to explore trades or free agency options to bolster the backcourt. But for now, the biggest piece of the puzzle is in place.
Final Word: The Future Is Flagg
What was once a franchise teetering on the edge of an identity crisis now feels revitalized. Cooper Flagg, the pride of Duke and the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has arrived in Dallas not just to play—but to lead.
From improbable lottery luck to a potentially historic selection, the Mavericks have turned the page. The Luka chapter may be over, but a new era—the Flagg era—is officially underway.
Dallas raised the Flagg, and in doing so, may have just raised its ceiling.
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