As expected, the Dallas Mavericks have selected Cooper Flagg with the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The forward is considered one of the greatest talents of recent years.
The Mavericks won the NBA Draft Lottery in May in a complete surprise. Before the draw, the Texans had only a 1.6 percent chance of getting the top pick. From that day on, it was clear that Dallas would draft the 18-year-old.
“I feel great. To be honest, it’s a dream come true,” Flagg said immediately after the draft, accompanied by his family. “I wouldn’t want to share this moment with anyone else.” He is also looking forward to his new team: “I’m really excited. I think I keep repeating myself when I say that I want to be a sponge – just be there, learn, surrounded by Hall of Fame-level players, and have the chance to learn from them. It’s going to be an incredible experience. I feel so blessed to be in this position,” he explained.
Flagg, one of the youngest players (he will only turn 19 in December), dominated the college season and received numerous awards, including Player of the Year. As a freshman, he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 37 games for Duke. It wasn’t enough for the title, however, as the Blue Devils suffered a dramatic defeat to Houston in the semifinals.
New hope after Doncic trade
Flagg gives the Mavericks new hope after the franchise traded superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a controversial deal in early February. In return, the Mavs got Anthony Davis, who has hardly been able to play so far due to a hip injury.
To make matters worse, star guard Kyrie Irving also got injured and will not be able to return to action until 2026 at the earliest due to a torn cruciate ligament. Without Irving, the Mavericks lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in the play-ins.
Before the draft, it was also leaked that the Texans would extend the contracts of Irving and center Daniel Gafford ahead of schedule. In free agency, the Mavs will primarily be looking for a playmaker who can replace Irving.
