Mavericks land Duke standout Cooper Flagg as No. 1 overall pick

As expected, the Dallas Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Flagg is now expected to elevate the Mavericks franchise to new heights following the departure of former franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić, who was traded to Los Angeles before last season's trade deadline.

The move to let go of Dončić sparked backlash from fans, but with Flagg now in the fold, there’s renewed optimism in Dallas — especially with a lineup that looks increasingly solid on paper.

The 18-year-old Duke standout will suit up alongside one of the best two-way center-forwards in the league, Anthony Davis. Supporting him are seasoned veterans like Kyrie Irving, who recently signed a three-year extension with the team, and Klay Thompson, who remains a reliable sharpshooter and locker room leader.

The Mavericks' supporting cast also remains intact. Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and P.J. Washington are all expected to return healthy and ready for a fresh start this season.

In free agency, Dallas is reportedly the frontrunner to land D’Angelo Russell, potentially adding more offensive firepower — a timely boost with Irving still recovering from the season-ending injury he suffered during the last playoffs.

Beyond the on-court talent, Flagg also has the benefit of being coached by one of the greatest point guards in NBA history — Jason Kidd — giving him strong mentorship from Day 1.

And it’s not just Flagg making headlines from Duke: two of his college teammates were also selected in the Top 10. Kon Knueppel was taken 4th overall by the Charlotte Hornets, while Khaman Maluach went 10th to the Phoenix Suns — a fact that only added to Flagg’s excitement on draft night.

With all the hype and a promising core around him, the big question now looms:

Can Cooper Flagg live up to the expectations?

We’ll find out when the NBA tips off its new season this October.