As Expected, Cooper Flagg Goes No. 1 in 2025 NBA Draft to Mavericks, His First Comment Instantly Makes Everyone Feel Old

The moment basketball fans, analysts, and scouts have anticipated for over two years finally arrived on Thursday night: Cooper Flagg, the Duke Blue Devils phenom and arguably the most hyped NBA prospect since Zion Williamson, officially became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Dallas Mavericks selected Flagg, fulfilling months of speculation that the young forward would be headed to Texas to join the franchise that already boasts Luka Dončić and one of the most passionate fanbases in basketball.

But while Flagg’s selection was the least surprising development of the night, it was his first public comment that truly captured the internet’s attention—and, for many, served as a harsh reminder of the passing of time.

“I wasn’t even born when Luka was drafted,” Flagg told ESPN with a wide grin during his introductory interview. “It’s surreal to be playing alongside him.”

That simple sentence sent shockwaves through social media, leaving countless NBA fans feeling, well, ancient. Though Flagg was smiling and clearly meant no disrespect, the reality check was unavoidable: Luka Dončić entered the league in 2018, and Cooper Flagg, born in late 2006, had yet to take his first steps when Dallas began shaping their future around the Slovenian sensation.

It wasn’t just a clever soundbite—it was a bold signal that the NBA is officially entering its next generation. And Cooper Flagg is leading the charge.

Flagg’s selection by Dallas wasn’t just a formality—it was a necessity for a franchise desperate to maximize the remaining prime years of Dončić. While the Mavericks fell short in the 2025 NBA Finals, their run to the Western Conference championship proved they’re close, but still missing that one transformational piece. Dallas believes Flagg, at 6-foot-9 with a freakish wingspan, advanced defensive instincts, and polished offensive game, is exactly that player.

The Maine native has been on NBA radars since his early teenage years, dominating prep basketball and earning comparisons to generational stars like Kevin Durant and Larry Bird. His lone season at Duke only solidified the hype. Flagg averaged 20.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game, earning ACC Player of the Year honors and guiding the Blue Devils to the Final Four.

But beyond the stats, it was his intangibles—competitiveness, poise, and maturity beyond his years—that set him apart. Scouts praised his versatility on both ends of the floor, noting his ability to guard multiple positions, initiate offense, and knock down shots from anywhere on the court.

“He’s the type of player that can change a franchise,” Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said after the pick was announced. “His skill set speaks for itself, but his mindset, his work ethic, that’s what made this an easy decision.”

Flagg joins a Mavericks roster already featuring established stars, but his arrival signals a long-term plan to keep Dallas relevant well beyond the Dončić era. The pairing of Dončić, still only 26 years old, with the 18-year-old Flagg gives the Mavericks a superstar duo built to contend for the next decade.

Flagg, for his part, is embracing the moment—and the expectations that come with being the No. 1 pick.

“It’s a dream come true,” Flagg said. “I’ve watched Luka play my whole life. I used to watch his highlights when I was a kid. Now, I get to share the court with him. It’s insane.”

That statement alone sent NBA Twitter into meltdown mode. The realization that Flagg was watching Dončić as a “kid” while some fans still vividly recall Luka’s teenage EuroLeague days was enough to spark an avalanche of memes, jokes, and nostalgic posts.

“Flagg saying he watched Luka growing up just shaved 10 years off my life,” one fan posted.

Another wrote, “I watched Luka get drafted. Cooper Flagg watched Luka highlights in middle school. Time is a flat circle.”

Yet, beneath the lighthearted jabs at Father Time, there’s genuine excitement surrounding Flagg’s potential impact. NBA insiders have called him the most complete two-way prospect in years, blending size, athleticism, and basketball IQ in a way that fits perfectly with modern NBA demands.

His defensive versatility, in particular, has scouts salivating. Flagg’s ability to guard positions one through five, contest shots at the rim, and switch onto elite perimeter scorers is rare for a player his age. Combine that with his polished offensive repertoire—spot-up shooting, slashing ability, high-post passing—and it’s easy to see why Dallas jumped at the opportunity to draft him.

“It’s scary how good he already is,” ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony said. “And scarier to think about how much better he’ll get.”

For the Mavericks, Flagg represents both immediate help and long-term insurance. The team knows the Western Conference is unforgiving, with powerhouses like Denver, Minnesota, and Oklahoma City looming. But adding Flagg to a core that includes Dončić, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II positions Dallas to stay competitive now and evolve as their young star matures.

Flagg, meanwhile, seems unfazed by the bright lights and lofty expectations. His composure during his draft night interviews echoed the same cool, calculated demeanor he displayed at Duke. Asked about his goals for his rookie season, his answer was measured but confident.

“I just want to earn the respect of my teammates, learn from the veterans, and help this team win,” Flagg said. “I know there’s a lot of hype, but I’ve always focused on getting better every day.”

That mindset, combined with his prodigious talent, bodes well for both his individual future and the Mavericks’ championship aspirations.

Still, for many fans, Thursday night wasn’t just about a new era of basketball beginning—it was about time catching up to them. The reminder that Cooper Flagg wasn’t alive during Luka Dončić’s draft year added an unexpected twist to an otherwise predictable No. 1 pick.

But for the Mavericks, and the NBA at large, it’s a sign that the future is here—and ready to make history.

As Dallas fans celebrated the arrival of their newest star, one thing became clear: Cooper Flagg is ready to carry the torch, no matter how old his first comment made everyone feel.