The Dallas Mavericks‘ future officially began when Cooper Flagg was taken with the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The 18-year-old phenom, who dominated his freshman year at Duke and collected every “Player of the Year” honor on the board, is now wearing Mavericks blue – and sporting a new number as he steps into the league spotlight.
After his one spectacular season with the Blue Devils, which ended in a Final Four run, Flagg isn’t just making headlines for his on-court talent. He’s also drawing attention for his potential off the court.
The No. 1 pick signed a four-year rookie contract worth $62.7 million and has already lined up endorsements with major brands like New Balance and Gatorade. Industry insiders are already predicting Flagg could become a billionaire at an incredibly young age, thanks to his marketability and star power.
His arrival is a stroke of luck for Dallas. The Mavericks had just a 1.8 percent chance to win the draft lottery, and the team desperately needed a new franchise player after Luka Doncic‘s shock move to the Los Angeles Lakers.
A new chapter in Dallas begins
For the first time, Mavericks fans are seeing Flagg in his new uniform, wearing No. 32 – a departure from the No. 2 he wore at Duke. This number, however, is a familiar one for Flagg, who sported No. 32 during his standout high school career at both Nokomis Regional in Maine and powerhouse Montverde Academy in Florida. He capped his prep career with state championships and even graduated a year early to start his Duke journey.
Now, as Flagg prepares to take the NBA stage, the hype surrounding him is reminiscent of the excitement that accompanied LeBron James two decades ago. With sky-high expectations, both from fans and sponsors, Flagg is expected to become the new face of the Mavericks franchise and a centerpiece of Dallas sports for years to come.
For Mavericks supporters, seeing the franchise’s new cornerstone don the jersey for the first time is more than just a fashion statement – it’s the start of a new era. The Cooper Flagg Era in Dallas has officially arrived, and all eyes are on what history he’ll make next.
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