Dallas Secures the No. 1 Overall Pick in the 2025 NBA Draft: Will Cooper Flagg Be Their Future Superstar?

In the high-stakes game of NBA rebuilding, fortune often favors the bold—but sometimes, it simply favors the lucky. The Dallas Mavericks, a franchise that has oscillated between title contention and roster limbo in recent years, have officially landed the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. With this coveted selection comes a wave of possibility, expectation, and pressure. At the center of it all is the name that has dominated the basketball world for the better part of two years: Cooper Flagg.

Widely regarded as a generational talent, Flagg’s name has been whispered in NBA front offices since he was a high school sophomore. He’s been the consensus No. 1 pick on mock drafts all year, with scouts touting his game-changing versatility, basketball IQ, and motor. For Dallas, a franchise that has had flashes of brilliance thanks to Luka Dončić but has also faltered with depth and inconsistency, Flagg represents more than just a future star—he could be the missing piece to a long-term plan.

The Mavericks’ lottery win wasn’t just improbable; it was transformative. Holding a slim chance of landing the top pick, Dallas entered the lottery process with crossed fingers and limited odds. Yet, as the envelopes opened and the order revealed itself, it became clear the basketball gods had smiled upon Dallas. With the ping-pong balls bouncing their way, the Mavericks were handed not just a draft pick but a reset button.

Cooper Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward out of Duke University, has captivated fans and analysts alike with a skill set that blends old-school fundamentals and modern athleticism. He’s a shot-blocking menace, a polished scorer, and perhaps most importantly, a player who seems to elevate everyone around him. While still only 18 years old, his maturity on the court has earned him comparisons to some of the NBA’s elite two-way players. Think a young Kevin Garnett with a better handle. Think a defensive-minded Jayson Tatum. Think hope.

Dallas now finds itself with a dilemma every team would envy. With Luka Dončić still very much in his prime and under contract, the Mavericks must determine how to best utilize their new golden ticket. Do they take Flagg and immediately commit to building one of the most fearsome duos in the league? Or do they consider leveraging the pick in a blockbuster trade to surround Dončić with established talent for a title push?

The early indications from team insiders suggest that Dallas is leaning heavily toward selecting Flagg. It makes sense. The league is shifting toward players who can defend multiple positions, stretch the floor, and serve as secondary creators. Flagg checks all those boxes. More importantly, his game complements Dončić’s in ways that could unlock a new level for both players.

Dončić, a maestro with the ball in his hands, often bears the brunt of initiating offense. Having Flagg as a release valve—someone who can slash, shoot, and pass out of pressure—would alleviate that burden. And on the defensive end, Flagg’s ability to guard wings and protect the rim would allow Dončić to conserve energy. It’s a pairing that’s not just functional, but potentially transformational.

Flagg’s journey to this point has been a storybook rise. A Maine native, he first gained national attention by dominating youth circuits with a combination of grit and flair that belied his age. His one year at Duke only solidified his status, as he led the Blue Devils in points, rebounds, and blocks while guiding them to a deep tournament run. Beyond the stats, what stood out was his presence. Coaches raved about his work ethic. Teammates spoke glowingly of his leadership. NBA executives saw a franchise cornerstone.

Now, Dallas must ensure it builds the right infrastructure to support him. Flagg’s development will hinge not just on his talent but also on the culture, coaching, and complementary pieces around him. The Mavericks’ front office, led by GM Nico Harrison, will need to be deliberate. This can’t be a repeat of past drafts where potential was squandered. This is a rare opportunity, a confluence of timing and talent that could define the franchise’s next decade.

One potential wrinkle in the plan is how Flagg would adjust to being the secondary star—at least initially—behind Dončić. Some rookies struggle with reduced roles or deferment, but all indications are that Flagg is built differently. At Duke, he never forced the issue, instead playing within the flow and letting the game come to him. His unselfishness could make the transition seamless, and his willingness to impact the game without scoring is precisely what makes him so valuable.

Dallas also has to consider the business side. Flagg is not just a player; he’s a brand in the making. The hype around him has created a marketing machine. Jersey sales, national TV games, and media buzz would all spike with his arrival. Pairing him with Dončić, already a global icon, gives Dallas a marketable duo that could attract free agents, endorsement deals, and international attention. The Mavericks could become must-see TV not just for their play but for their personalities.

Yet with all the excitement comes pressure. No. 1 picks don’t always pan out. For every LeBron James, there’s an Anthony Bennett. For every Tim Duncan, there’s a Greg Oden. The history is filled with promise and peril. Dallas must tread carefully. It must provide patience but also demand excellence. Flagg’s ceiling is high, but it won’t be reached overnight. The Mavericks have to play the long game—even if the short-term temptation is to win now.

Some analysts have floated the idea of trading the pick, suggesting Dallas could acquire an All-Star-caliber player and make a run at the Finals while Dončić is in his prime. But that route is risky. Trading away a player with Flagg’s upside for immediate help rarely works out in the long term. Stars like him don’t come around often. If Dallas passes on him, and he becomes the player many expect, it could haunt the franchise for years.

For now, fans can dare to dream. The images of Cooper Flagg in a Mavericks jersey are already circulating on social media. Draft night is shaping up to be a celebration in Dallas, one that could mark the start of a new era. From Dirk Nowitzki to Luka Dončić to potentially Cooper Flagg, the franchise might be blessed with a lineage of transcendent talent.

In a league defined by stars, Dallas has a chance to pair two of the brightest. The No. 1 pick is more than a reward; it’s a responsibility. The Mavericks have been handed the keys to a future that could be championship-rich if handled correctly. Cooper Flagg could be the crown jewel, the next face of the franchise, and the ultimate sidekick—or successor—to Luka Dončić.

Time will tell if Dallas makes the pick. Time will tell if Flagg lives up to the hype. But for now, hope reigns in Texas. The Mavericks have hit the jackpot. What they do next will shape their destiny