Mavericks are the painfully obvious NBA team for Duke Blue Devils fans to root for beyond just Cooper Flagg’s selection

The Dallas Mavericks have always been a polarizing franchise in NBA circles, but suddenly, for fans of the Duke Blue Devils, the Mavericks are the painfully obvious team to throw their full support behind — and it’s not just because of Cooper Flagg.

Yes, Cooper Flagg’s selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft instantly forged a connection between the Mavericks and the passionate Duke basketball faithful. Flagg, the transcendent freshman phenom who lit up Cameron Indoor Stadium and captivated the college basketball world, is now poised to begin his professional journey in Dallas. But the Blue Devil ties run deeper than Flagg’s arrival, and the reasons to back the Mavericks extend well beyond the latest Duke prodigy.

First, there’s the simple truth that the Mavericks’ roster construction and organizational philosophy have become increasingly Blue Devil-friendly over the past few years. With the front office’s aggressive pursuit of high-IQ, versatile players who thrive in structured offensive systems and bring toughness to the defensive end, the Mavericks have gradually built a team culture that mirrors many of the hallmarks of Duke basketball under Coach K and now Jon Scheyer.

Flagg’s arrival only solidifies that trend. During his lone season at Duke, Flagg’s reputation as a game-changing defender, elite shot-maker, and unselfish star was on full display. He wasn’t merely the top-ranked freshman in the country; he embodied the type of player who elevates everyone around him — the same qualities the Mavericks have increasingly prioritized in their personnel decisions.

But the ties go even further than philosophy or potential. For starters, Wendell Carter Jr., the bruising big man who spent a memorable season at Duke in 2017-18, remains a central figure in Dallas after being acquired from Orlando. Carter, known for his rebounding, rim protection, and improved perimeter shooting, brings an interior presence the Mavericks have long craved. His connection with Flagg from the Blue Devil brotherhood only adds intrigue, as Carter publicly celebrated Dallas’ draft-night selection of Flagg, calling him “the next great one to wear Duke Blue… and now Mavs blue.”

Carter’s presence alongside Flagg gives Duke fans a tangible rooting interest in Dallas beyond one player. It creates a budding Blue Devil pipeline that is hard to ignore, especially considering how vital Carter’s defensive versatility and experience could be in helping Flagg adjust to the NBA grind.

Meanwhile, Tyus Jones — the cerebral point guard and 2015 NCAA Tournament hero for Duke — remains a free agent as of early July 2025, but multiple league insiders have linked him to the Mavericks as a potential depth addition behind Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. Should that reunion materialize, it would only deepen the Dallas-Duke connection and further incentivize Blue Devil fans to adopt the Mavs as their NBA squad.

Speaking of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, their presence gives Duke fans yet another reason to invest emotionally in the Mavericks’ future. While neither is a Duke alum, their style of play appeals to the same basketball sensibilities cultivated in Durham. Dončić, with his masterful court vision, relentless competitiveness, and clutch shot-making, plays with the kind of swagger and skill that Duke legends from Christian Laettner to Jayson Tatum to RJ Barrett have embodied. Irving, though often polarizing off the court, remains one of the most electrifying and skilled guards in NBA history — attributes that resonate with Blue Devil fans who appreciate offensive brilliance and individual artistry.

Together with Flagg, Carter, and possibly Jones, the Mavericks are crafting a roster that feels tailor-made for Duke fans to embrace. There’s also the undeniable reality that Dallas is building toward legitimate championship contention. The Mavericks reached the 2024 NBA Finals, only to fall short against a battle-tested Boston Celtics squad. The hunger to finish the job — coupled with the injection of young talent like Flagg — positions Dallas as a franchise squarely in the title conversation for years to come.

For Duke fans, the opportunity to watch one of their own play a central role on a title-contending team in a major market is simply too appealing to resist. Flagg isn’t just another top pick; he’s arguably the most hyped Duke prospect since Zion Williamson, and his arrival in Dallas could mirror the way Zion galvanized New Orleans, only with an even brighter spotlight and higher stakes in Texas.

Moreover, Flagg’s decision to declare for the draft after just one season at Duke — a campaign filled with highlight-reel moments, defensive dominance, and flashes of offensive brilliance — endeared him to the Blue Devil faithful. Though Duke’s season ended earlier than hoped with a Sweet 16 loss, Flagg’s relentless motor, humility, and competitive fire were unmistakable. He carried himself like a pro even as a teenager, and now, that maturity is expected to shine in the NBA.

The Mavericks’ infrastructure, coaching staff, and veteran leadership provide an ideal incubator for Flagg’s development. Head coach Jason Kidd, a Hall of Fame point guard known for his basketball IQ, is the type of mentor who can help Flagg unlock his full potential, both on and off the ball. Dallas’ front office, led by Nico Harrison, has shown a willingness to invest in young talent while balancing win-now expectations — a delicate balance that Duke fans are all too familiar with after years of high-profile freshmen cycling through Durham.

The broader cultural overlap also shouldn’t be overlooked. Dallas, like Duke, operates with immense visibility, high expectations, and relentless media attention. The Mavericks’ passionate fan base, much like the Cameron Crazies, demands excellence and rallies behind its stars. For Flagg — and by extension, Duke supporters — it’s a seamless transition from college blue blood to professional contender.

There’s also the geographic factor. While Duke’s historic influence has been most prominent on the East Coast, particularly in NBA markets like Boston, New York, and Miami, the Mavericks’ emergence gives Blue Devil fans a reason to expand their rooting interests westward. With the Western Conference wide open and Dallas positioning itself as a perennial powerhouse, adopting the Mavericks aligns with both basketball logic and Blue Devil pride.

Of course, skeptics will argue that NBA fandom isn’t easily transferable, and some Duke supporters may already have lifelong allegiances to other franchises. But the unique convergence of Flagg’s arrival, Carter’s presence, the potential addition of Tyus Jones, and the Mavericks’ stylistic parallels to Duke make this an unusually compelling scenario.

Ultimately, the Mavericks offer Duke fans a familiar narrative arc — the rise of a transcendent young star with Blue Devil pedigree, surrounded by savvy veterans, chasing championships on one of basketball’s biggest stages. It’s a story that’s played out countless times in Durham, and now, it’s unfolding under the bright lights of Dallas.

For Blue Devil diehards seeking their NBA rooting outlet, the Mavericks aren’t just an option — they’re the painfully obvious choice. From Flagg’s generational talent to the growing Duke influence permeating the roster, Dallas has become the professional extension of everything Duke basketball represents: excellence, competitiveness, and an unrelenting pursuit of greatness.

So as the 2025-26 NBA season approaches and Cooper Flagg begins his highly anticipated rookie campaign, expect a noticeable uptick in Duke Blue jerseys sprinkled throughout American Airlines Center. Expect Duke chants to echo in Dallas bars during playoff games. And expect the Mavericks to become, for better or worse, the NBA team that Duke fans — and maybe even some of their rivals — simply can’t ignore.