Stephen A. Smith, renowned for his candid and often provocative commentary on ESPN’s First Take, has consistently highlighted the exceptional talent of Duke’s Cooper Flagg. In the lead-up to the 2025 NBA Draft, Smith emphasized the Dallas Mavericks’ pivotal decision regarding Flagg, urging them not to squander the opportunity to select a generational talent. His remarks underscore the high expectations surrounding Flagg and the potential impact on the Mavericks’ future.Sportskeeda+1SI+1Sportskeeda+5The Times of India+5talkSPORT+5
Cooper Flagg, a 6’9″ forward/guard from Newport, Maine, has rapidly ascended to the top of NBA draft boards following a stellar freshman season at Duke University. In his lone college season, Flagg led the Blue Devils in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks per game, earning accolades such as the Naismith Trophy, ACC Player of the Year, and consensus First-Team All-American honors . His versatile skill set, combining scoring, defense, and basketball IQ, has drawn comparisons to NBA stars like Jayson Tatum, Scottie Pippen, and Kawhi Leonard .talkSPORT+2Wikipedia+2Duke University+2Duke UniversityESPN.com+1A Sea Of Blue+1
Throughout the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Stephen A. Smith lauded Flagg’s prowess on First Take. Ahead of Duke’s Final Four matchup against Houston, Smith described Flagg as “special,” highlighting his multifaceted game and leadership . Smith’s endorsement reflects the widespread recognition of Flagg’s potential to transform an NBA franchise.SportskeedatalkSPORT
The Dallas Mavericks, after a tumultuous season and a controversial trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, found themselves in a position to select Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft . This unexpected turn of events places the franchise at a crossroads, with the opportunity to rebuild around a transcendent talent.The Times of India+4talkSPORT+4New York Post+4
Analysts and fans alike have expressed anticipation over the potential pairing of Flagg with veteran stars like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, forming a formidable trio that could lead the Mavericks into a new era of success.A Sea Of Blue+1New York Post+1
Selecting Flagg represents more than just acquiring a top prospect; it signifies a commitment to long-term success and a potential shift in the NBA’s power dynamics. With aging superstars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry nearing the end of their careers, the league is poised for a new generation of stars. Flagg’s arrival in Dallas could position the Mavericks at the forefront of this transition, making their decision in the upcoming draft a defining moment in the franchise’s history.talkSPORT
Stephen A. Smith’s consistent praise for Cooper Flagg underscores the high expectations surrounding the young phenom. For the Dallas Mavericks, the 2025 NBA Draft presents a pivotal opportunity to secure a player who could redefine the franchise’s trajectory. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Mavericks’ decision, with the potential to usher in a new era of dominance in the NBA.Wikipedia+6
