Dallas Mavericks Selects Cooper Flagg as No. 1 Total Decide within the 2025 NBA Draft

The Dallas Mavericks have formally drafted Cooper Flagg because the No. 1 general choose within the 2025 NBA Draft. The choice, introduced by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, was no shock to analysts and followers.

The 18-year-old Duke sensation was broadly thought to be the consensus No. 1 choose for a number of months earlier than draft night time.

A New Face of the Franchise

In making this choice, Dallas is indicating a definitive new route for the franchise because the blockbuster commerce that noticed franchise star Luka Doncic transfer to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis in February. According to TMZ Sports, Cooper Flagg is now the point of interest of the Mavericks’ future, destined to be the one to maintain the torch burning as the following franchise pillar.

While substituting a generational expertise like Doncic isn’t any simple process, Flagg may have firm to assist him. Dallas level guard Kyrie Irving simply re-signed with the group, and Davis, a veteran All-Star, remains to be an integral a part of the roster. Together, they’re going to provide help and steering to the proficient rookie.

Flagg’s Impressive Duke Career

Flagg entered the NBA on the heels of a profession yr at Duke University, the place he recorded 19.2 factors, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per contest. His two-way greatness led the Blue Devils to the Final Four, the place they misplaced to the University of Houston. Though they misplaced, Flagg’s play all year long solidified him as an NBA star for the long run.

Cooper Flagg not solely impressed on the court docket. His play was rewarded with a number of the high accolades in school basketball:

• AP Player of the Year
• Naismith Award Winner (2025)
• John R. Wooden Award Winner
• Unanimous First-Team All-American
• All-ACC Team Selection

High Expectations in Dallas

Being a No. 1 choose is a heavy burden to bear, however coming into a Mavericks franchise on the transfer elevates that burden much more. With Luka Doncic’s exit nonetheless lingering and the group attempting to reboot its id, Flagg might be put right into a management place from day one.

Luckily, his maturity stage and distinctive basketball smarts, guided by coaches and scouts, say he is prepared for it.

Preseason and coaching camp might be instrumental as Cooper Flagg will get used to the tempo and athleticism of the NBA. Everyone might be watching how properly he can adapt and what position head coach Jason Kidd provides him in his debut season.

While some comparisons to Luka Doncic are unavoidable, Flagg has a definite talent set, with better defensive capacity, off-ball motion, and vitality. If he performs to even a share of the hype, Dallas may have its subsequent celebrity.

Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki congratulated Flagg after the draft. He mentioned that the group is happy to have the star within the making.

Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs picked Dylan Harper because the No. 2 choose. The Rutgers guard will assist De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle within the backcourt.