The Dallas Mavericks made a splash at the 2025 NBA draft, selecting Cooper Flagg as the No. 1 overall pick. Flagg, a 6’8″ forward from Duke University, had a phenomenal freshman season, guiding the Blue Devils to an NCAA Final Four appearance and earning numerous accolades, including the Wooden Award as the nation’s best college player.
Flagg’s impressive credentials include averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. He shot 38.5% on 3-pointers and 84% on free throws, ranking in the 85th percentile or better in converting as the ballhandler in pick-and-rolls, post-ups, and transition. Flagg set an Atlantic Coast Conference freshman record with 42 points against Notre Dame.
The Mavericks, who had only a 1.8% chance of landing the top pick, lucked out in the draft lottery. This marks the second time in franchise history they’ve had the No. 1 pick, with the first being in 1981 when they drafted Mark Aguirre out of DePaul. Flagg is now part of a talented roster that includes perennial All-Stars Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.
Top 10 Picks:
– 1. Dallas Mavericks – Cooper Flagg, Forward, Duke: A dominant force on the court with impressive all-around skills
– 2. San Antonio Spurs – Dylan Harper, Guard, Rutgers: A talented freshman with scoring and playmaking abilities, playing alongside Victor Wembanyama
– 3. Philadelphia 76ers – VJ Edgecombe, Guard, Baylor: An explosive athlete with above-the-rim finishing skills
– 4. Charlotte Hornets – Kon Knueppel, Forward, Duke: An efficient wing scorer with spot-up shooting prowess
– 5. Utah Jazz – Ace Bailey, Forward, Rutgers: A versatile shotmaker with midrange and stepback skills
– 6. Washington Wizards – Tre Johnson, Guard, Texas: The Southeastern Conference’s scoring leader with impressive range
– 7. New Orleans Pelicans – Jeremiah Fears, Guard, Oklahoma: A freshman combo guard adept at creating space
– 8. Brooklyn Nets – Egor Demin, Guard/Forward, BYU: A Russian playmaker with size and exceptional passing skills
– 9. Toronto Raptors – Collin Murray-Boyles, Forward, South Carolina: A sophomore with two-way potential and a 7’1″ wingspan
– 10. Houston Rockets (traded to Phoenix Suns) – Khaman Maluach, Center, Duke: A defensive specialist with elite length and size
Flagg’s selection marks a new era for the Mavericks, who drew ire from their fan base after trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. The 18-year-old Flagg is expected to quickly become a new face of the franchise.
