Duke's Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a play during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Wake Forest in Durham, N.C., Monday, March 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
Stephen A. Smith cautions the Mavs against making a serious error in selecting Cooper Flagg, the basketball sensation from the Duke Blue Devils.
Stephen A. Smith, a prominent sports commentator known for his fiery opinions and fearless commentary, has long been one of the most recognized and sometimes polarizing figures in sports media. In recent times, his voice has echoed across various platforms as he provides insight into the biggest sports stories, ranging from the NBA to college football. Recently, he voiced a stern caution about the Dallas Mavericks, urging them to reconsider any serious intentions they might have of selecting the basketball phenom Cooper Flagg. Flagg, a highly touted sensation from the Duke Blue Devils, has generated immense hype as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft. However, Smith, with his years of experience and an eye for talent, cautioned that the Mavs might be making a serious error by prioritizing Flagg over other options in the draft.
Cooper Flagg, the 6-foot-8 forward from Duke, has taken the basketball world by storm with his incredible blend of athleticism, defense, and basketball IQ. Born and raised in Maine, Flagg’s journey to the pinnacle of college basketball has been a mixture of hard work, raw talent, and an ever-growing understanding of the game. His rise to prominence began when he led his high school team to several championships, and his performances in AAU basketball also caught the attention of scouts and analysts. When he signed to play for Duke, one of the most storied programs in college basketball, the expectations placed on him were sky-high.
Flagg’s accolades are impressive. He is known for his versatile scoring ability, highlighted by his deadly jump shot, and his skill in driving to the basket. However, what has truly set him apart is his ability to impact the game on both ends of the court. Flagg is an elite defender, capable of guarding multiple positions with his length and agility. His basketball IQ allows him to anticipate plays, disrupt opposing offenses, and create transition opportunities for his team.
Despite these standout qualities, there are still several uncertainties regarding how Flagg will transition from college to the NBA. The jump from college basketball, especially a high-level program like Duke, to the professional game is immense. The NBA is known for its faster pace, more physical style of play, and the heightened skill level of its athletes. While Flagg’s upside is undeniable, the risks associated with his selection are also considerable, especially when a team like the Mavericks could be on the verge of building something special around their franchise player, Luka Dončić.
Stephen A. Smith, as is his nature, has never been one to hold back his thoughts. When it comes to the NBA Draft and the prospects under consideration, Smith’s commentary can be blunt and unapologetic. His recent comments regarding the Dallas Mavericks and Cooper Flagg have been no different. Smith warned the Mavs that their current team, built around the generational talent of Luka Dončić, needs to be carefully managed and that any draft choice should reflect a focus on immediate contention rather than potential future growth.
One of the central arguments Stephen A. Smith has put forward in his warning to the Mavericks is the urgency for the team to win now. Dončić, who has established himself as one of the most gifted players the NBA has seen in years, is entering the prime of his career. The Mavericks have shown flashes of greatness, but they have yet to reach the heights of true championship contention. In a league as competitive as the NBA, opportunities to win titles don’t always come around frequently, and Stephen A. Smith believes that the Mavs must capitalize on the moment with Dončić.
Smith’s caution stems from the fact that Cooper Flagg, while an exceptional talent, is still a developmental player. His ability to contribute at an elite level in the NBA immediately is far from guaranteed. In fact, his selection could potentially delay the Mavericks’ plans for immediate contention. The Mavs, who have dealt with roster turnover and inconsistency over the past few seasons, cannot afford to take a risk on a prospect that may need years of development before reaching his full potential. Smith emphasized that, with Dončić’s talent, the Mavs need to surround him with players who can contribute now, rather than banking on a project with no certainty of success.
Another major concern Stephen A. Smith raised about Cooper Flagg is the tendency to overvalue potential. The NBA, like any other sport, has a tendency to fall in love with raw talent and what a player could be, rather than focusing on what they are at present. Flagg is undoubtedly a tantalizing prospect, but Smith pointed out that too many teams have made the mistake of drafting players based on future projections, only to see them fail to live up to expectations once they are in the NBA.
The 2025 draft class is filled with incredibly talented prospects, and while Flagg’s potential is significant, Smith warned that the Mavericks must be cautious. Players like Flagg often come with questions about how their skills will translate to the next level. Will Flagg’s offensive game be enough to carry him in the NBA, or will his reliance on athleticism and raw skill become a disadvantage in a more physical league? Will his ability to defend in college be as effective against the elite scorers in the NBA? These are questions that Stephen A. Smith emphasized, urging the Mavs to consider the risk versus reward when it comes to selecting a player like Flagg.
Stephen A. Smith is a vocal advocate for Dončić, often praising his ability to carry a team on his back and his potential to become one of the greatest players of all time. With that in mind, Smith cautioned that the Mavericks cannot afford to make decisions that could stunt Dončić’s growth or harm the team’s current trajectory. Adding a player like Flagg to the roster could potentially disrupt the chemistry the Mavericks are working to build around Dončić. If Flagg requires significant time to develop or adjust to the NBA’s level of competition, that could create unnecessary distractions.
Smith highlighted that Dončić is a player who demands a certain level of urgency from the team around him. He cannot be expected to wait for years while a raw prospect like Flagg adjusts to the league. The Mavericks need players who can complement Dončić’s style of play and contribute to winning games right away. The combination of Luka’s vision, scoring ability, and basketball IQ is rare, and it needs to be complemented by players who can thrive in a system designed to maximize those strengths.
Finally, Stephen A. Smith underscored the importance of veteran leadership in building a championship-contending team. Cooper Flagg, for all his talent, is not a seasoned veteran with experience in high-pressure situations. The Mavericks need players who can help guide Luka Dončić, especially when it comes to leadership, decision-making in crucial moments, and handling the mental side of the game. Smith argued that the Mavs should prioritize adding veteran players who can bring stability and knowledge to the locker room, something that is often more critical to a championship run than raw talent.
Smith’s belief is that the Mavericks should focus on finding players who have already proven they can perform at a high level in the NBA, rather than gambling on the potential of a young player like Flagg. The Mavericks are in a position where their window for competing for a title is open, and they cannot afford to waste valuable time on an uncertain prospect. Adding proven players who fit well with Dončić’s strengths could help the Mavs make the leap from playoff team to genuine championship contender.
In his commentary, Stephen A. Smith is not dismissing the potential of Cooper Flagg, nor is he saying that Flagg won’t have a successful NBA career. Rather, his cautionary stance is based on the realities of the Mavericks’ current situation. With Luka Dončić in his prime, the Mavericks are in a delicate position. They cannot afford to make decisions that could undermine their chances of winning now, especially in a league as competitive as the NBA.
Smith’s words serve as a reminder that while potential is important, immediate impact and proven ability are equally critical when a team has a generational talent like Dončić on its roster. The Mavericks must carefully weigh the risk of selecting a developmental project like Flagg against the benefits of acquiring players who can help Dončić and the team achieve their championship goals. Whether or not the Mavericks heed Stephen A. Smith’s advice will be a pivotal decision in the team’s future, as they look to surround Luka with the right pieces for success.
