In a shocking yet widely anticipated move, the Dallas Mavericks have selected Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg, the 17-year-old phenom from Maine, has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in recent memory, and his selection signals a new era for the Mavericks. The decision marks a bold move by the Mavericks’ front office, who have long been searching for a franchise-altering talent to pair alongside their superstar, Luka Dončić.
Flagg’s journey to the top of the NBA Draft has been nothing short of spectacular. He has garnered attention for his versatile skill set, exceptional basketball IQ, and unique combination of size, athleticism, and defensive prowess. Standing at 6’9″ with a wingspan that seems to stretch for miles, Flagg plays like a hybrid forward who can impact the game on both ends. His ability to play both forward spots and even contribute as a guard at times gives him the flexibility that modern NBA teams crave. His skill set has made him one of the most coveted players in the draft, and for good reason.
The Mavericks’ decision to take Flagg with the first pick follows a turbulent few years for the franchise. Despite having one of the league’s best players in Dončić, the team has failed to build a supporting cast that can help him lead Dallas back to championship contention. The acquisition of Flagg is the franchise’s most significant move in years, not just because of his potential but also because of what he represents in the broader context of the Mavericks’ future. For Dallas, this pick signals a commitment to long-term success, focusing on developing a young core around Dončić and building a team that can compete for years to come.
Cooper Flagg’s development has been meteoric. As a high school player at Montverde Academy in Florida, he gained national attention by leading his team to multiple championships and consistently dominating on the national circuit. His performances in high school showcases and AAU events cemented his status as the top player in the 2025 NBA Draft class. In fact, it was his two-way dominance that set him apart from other prospects. Flagg’s ability to lock down defenders and guard multiple positions while still contributing offensively made him a rare talent, one that could step into the NBA and make an immediate impact.
While Flagg’s defense is his calling card, his offensive game has improved substantially over the past year. He is an excellent ball handler for his size, showing the ability to break down defenders off the dribble and create opportunities for his teammates. His jump shot has also seen significant improvement, and while still a work in progress, it’s clear that he has the potential to become a reliable scorer from beyond the arc. His off-the-ball movement and understanding of spacing make him a constant threat in transition, while his passing vision continues to grow, giving him the tools to be a secondary playmaker if needed.
The Mavericks, who have often relied on Dončić to create offense, are hoping that Flagg can ease some of the burden on the superstar guard. Dončić, known for his exceptional playmaking and scoring ability, will undoubtedly benefit from having a versatile, two-way player like Flagg alongside him. If Flagg can develop into the two-way star that many expect him to be, the Mavericks could have a pairing on their hands that rivals some of the league’s best duos, with Dončić as the offensive engine and Flagg as the defensive anchor.
One of the biggest questions surrounding Flagg’s transition to the NBA will be his ability to adjust to the pace and physicality of the league. While he has all the tools to succeed, the jump from high school to the pros is never easy, even for the most talented players. However, Flagg’s maturity on and off the court gives confidence that he will be able to adapt quickly. He has already shown an advanced basketball IQ, which is often a key indicator of future success at the NBA level. His ability to read the game, make smart decisions, and impact winning plays could help him make an immediate impact, particularly on the defensive end.
Flagg’s selection by the Mavericks also raises interesting questions about the team’s future roster construction. The Mavericks have long been in search of a defensive stalwart to complement Dončić’s offensive brilliance. Since the departure of key defensive players like Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber, the Mavericks have struggled to field a consistently strong defense. Flagg’s ability to guard multiple positions and serve as a rim protector gives the Mavericks the kind of defensive versatility they have sorely lacked. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, from blocking shots to creating turnovers, could help address one of the Mavericks’ most significant weaknesses from recent years.
The arrival of Flagg also brings fresh hope to the Mavericks fanbase, who have watched their team struggle to find sustained success despite having one of the NBA’s brightest young stars. The Mavericks’ playoff appearances in recent years have been marked by inconsistency and underachievement, but with Flagg now in the fold, there is genuine excitement around the possibility of building a championship contender. The team has struggled to surround Dončić with the right mix of players, but Flagg represents a new opportunity to build around a core of young, high-potential talent.
For the Mavericks’ coaching staff, the challenge will be to integrate Flagg into the system quickly while maximizing his potential. The team has a history of developing young talent—Dončić himself is the prime example of this—and there is hope that Flagg can follow a similar path of development. Head coach Jason Kidd, who has had success with player development in his career, will play a crucial role in helping Flagg adjust to the NBA. Kidd, known for his basketball intelligence, could help Flagg refine his game and hone his strengths, particularly on the defensive end, where the rookie has the potential to be a game-changer.
Looking beyond the 2025 season, the Mavericks’ long-term prospects are looking bright. With Dončić entering his prime and Flagg offering a new dimension to the team, the Mavericks could quickly become one of the NBA’s most dangerous teams. The team’s front office will likely continue to be active in adding pieces around their young core, but with Flagg now in place, the foundation for future success has been firmly established.
While it is impossible to predict exactly how Flagg’s career will unfold, the excitement surrounding his potential is undeniable. As the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg is already under a spotlight, but he has shown time and time again that he thrives under pressure. The Mavericks, who have been searching for a player who can be the second star to complement Dončić, may have found their answer in Flagg. It will be fascinating to see how he develops over the coming years and whether he can help lead Dallas back to championship contention.
For the Mavericks’ front office, the decision to select Flagg at No. 1 is a statement move, one that signals their intent to not only build a team around Luka Dončić but to create a sustainable, long-term contender. In a league dominated by superstars, having two players with the potential to be among the best in the league is a rare and powerful opportunity. With Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks may just have found the perfect complement to their franchise player, and the future of Dallas basketball has never looked brighter.
