anticipated first overall selection Following the Dallas Mavericks’ acquisition of the first pick, Cooper Flagg joined the set.

The 2025 NBA Draft conversation took a dramatic turn the moment the Dallas Mavericks unexpectedly won the draft lottery, leapfrogging teams with worse records to secure the coveted No. 1 overall selection. With one ping pong ball bounce, the basketball world zeroed in on a new potential destination for Cooper Flagg—arguably the most hyped prospect since LeBron James. As the Mavericks took their seat at the top of the draft board, Cooper Flagg’s future became the hottest topic of discussion in both front offices and fan circles across the league.

Now that the Mavericks are officially on the clock, Cooper Flagg—who made headlines when he joined the ESPN set during the lottery broadcast—has an even clearer path to hearing his name first on draft night. It’s a potential pairing with monumental implications for the league, and the ripple effects are already being felt.

Flagg’s basketball journey has been nothing short of cinematic. Hailing from Newport, Maine, Flagg emerged as a generational talent by dominating the high school basketball circuit and earning national recognition as the No. 1 player in the 2024 recruiting class. Reclassifying to the class of 2024 only increased his exposure and fast-tracked his path to the NBA.

Flagg’s freshman season at Duke was more than just a showcase—it was a coronation. He led the Blue Devils to the Final Four and averaged 18.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game while displaying elite defensive instincts and a motor that rarely slowed down. What separated Flagg from his peers wasn’t just his production—it was how effortlessly he impacted every facet of the game.

At 6-foot-9 with guard-like skills, Flagg is the prototype of the modern NBA forward. He can handle the ball, stretch the floor, facilitate offense, and defend multiple positions. He’s been compared to everyone from Jayson Tatum to Kevin Durant to a young LeBron James. But ask those closest to him, and they’ll tell you Cooper Flagg is carving his own lane—one built on relentless competitiveness, basketball IQ, and a fearless edge that translates to winning.

The Dallas Mavericks, a team fresh off a playoff appearance led by superstar Luka Dončić and co-star Kyrie Irving, weren’t supposed to be in the lottery conversation. They had the 10th-best odds to secure the No. 1 pick, but defied expectations and surged to the top spot—a development that stunned fans and analysts alike.

Landing the first pick opens up a fascinating set of options for the Mavericks. While some front offices might consider trading the pick to maximize their win-now timeline with Dončić, Dallas appears fully prepared to make the selection. According to league insiders, the Mavericks’ front office views Cooper Flagg not just as the best player available, but as a foundational piece who could anchor their future for the next decade.

For a franchise that has struggled at times to find the right pieces to complement Dončić’s brilliance, Flagg represents a potential solution—and perhaps, an eventual heir to the franchise’s leadership mantle.

Cooper Flagg’s presence on the ESPN broadcast during the lottery wasn’t just symbolic—it was calculated. Flagg arrived with a polished demeanor, calmly answering questions and showing poise well beyond his years. His appearance offered fans a glimpse into the maturity and charisma that NBA teams have raved about during the pre-draft process.

As the Mavericks’ card was revealed, cameras caught Flagg offering a knowing smile. While he didn’t say outright that he wants to go to Dallas, his body language suggested a level of comfort with the idea—and possibly even excitement.

“I’m just grateful for the opportunity,” Flagg said during the segment. “Whoever picks me is getting someone who wants to win, someone who’s going to compete every day. That’s my mentality.”

When asked specifically about playing with Luka Dončić, Flagg didn’t hesitate: “He’s incredible. I’ve watched him for years. Just being able to learn from someone like that would be a blessing.”

Pairing Flagg with Dončić could give the Mavericks one of the most dynamic duos in the league—combining Luka’s offensive wizardry with Flagg’s all-around versatility. Dončić, just 26, is entering the prime of his career and remains one of the NBA’s most difficult covers. But his usage rate and playmaking burden have raised questions about how sustainable his workload is over the long haul.

Enter Flagg.

As a high-IQ player who can both create and finish plays, Flagg could help alleviate some of Dončić’s responsibilities. More importantly, Flagg’s defensive prowess could help address one of Dallas’s perennial issues—stopping elite wings and protecting the rim.

There’s also the stylistic fit to consider. Flagg excels in transition, thrives off-ball, and has already shown flashes of elite court vision. In a Mavericks offense built around pace, space, and read-react decision-making, Flagg could thrive almost immediately.

There have been murmurs about other talented prospects—Ace Bailey, Ja’Kobe Walter, and Ron Holland—potentially being in the mix for the top spot, especially depending on a team’s roster makeup. But for the Mavericks, who stumbled into this golden opportunity, the calculus is simple: take the best player available.

And nearly every scout, executive, and coach consulted agrees—Cooper Flagg is that guy.

“He’s the most complete player I’ve seen at this age in a long time,” one Western Conference scout told The Athletic. “He’s not a project. He’s ready to contribute now. If Dallas passes on him, they’ll regret it for years.”

Flagg’s two-way dominance and ability to play multiple roles make him virtually bust-proof in the eyes of many. While no draft pick is ever guaranteed, Flagg has minimized risk by proving himself on every stage—from USA Basketball, to high school, to college.

The Mavericks have long been defined by their franchise icons. Dirk Nowitzki brought them a title and global recognition. Luka Dončić has continued that legacy, growing into a perennial MVP candidate. Adding Flagg to the mix could signal the next evolution of Mavericks basketball.

Dallas could opt to bring Flagg along slowly, allowing him to develop alongside proven stars. Or, if his summer league and training camp performances reflect his readiness, they could install him as a day-one starter. Either way, his trajectory will be followed closely by the league.

What’s more intriguing is what the pick means for Dallas’s broader strategy. Does this new core shift the balance of power in the West? Will the Mavericks now try to move veterans or role players to surround Dončić and Flagg with even more talent? Could they even retool their bench to better suit a faster, more athletic playing style?

Following the lottery, several NBA greats weighed in on Flagg’s fit in Dallas. Kevin Garnett praised his “dog mentality,” while Chris Bosh highlighted Flagg’s IQ and willingness to make the right play. Even LeBron James—whose name Flagg has often been compared to—took to social media to congratulate him on the milestone moment.

“He’s got it,” James wrote on Instagram. “Whoever gets him is getting a winner.”

The excitement surrounding Cooper Flagg is bigger than just the Mavericks. His ascension is part of a larger generational shift in the NBA. As the league moves into its next era, players like Flagg represent the future—positionless, versatile, and built for modern basketball.

For fans in Dallas, the lottery win represents hope, promise, and the chance to do something special. For Flagg, it’s validation of years of work, sacrifice, and relentless dedication. And for the rest of the NBA, it’s a reminder that dynasties can be built with just the right pick—and a little luck.

With the NBA Draft now just weeks away, all eyes are on Dallas. The pre-draft process will continue—Flagg is expected to work out privately with the Mavericks and may even attend meetings with team ownership. But unless something truly unexpected occurs, the pick seems locked in.

When Adam Silver steps up to the podium on draft night, it’s widely expected he’ll utter the words: