The Dallas Mavericks‘ top pick, Cooper Flagg, finds himself in a rare and comforting position: joining an NBA squad that already includes two of his former Duke teammates.
As a freshly selected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, Flagg lands in Dallas among a genuine Duke brotherhood, with both Kyrie Irving (currently rehabbing an ACL) and Dereck Lively offering a support network he knows well.
From day one, Flagg enters a room where his peers share more than just a jersey.
Irving, though sidelined by injury, is expected to be a stabilizing presence for the newcomer, while Lively,has already shown outstanding early promise at just 21, offers camaraderie on the court.
Lively has taken it upon himself to ensure that Flagg feels truly at home in Dallas. Speaking passionately at the recent Mavs Academy Hoop Camp on Sunday, Lively acknowledged how isolating his own rookie season felt, and he’s determined to spare Flagg from that same experience.
“I’m making sure that he’s feeling as comfortable as possible, giving him any little detail or any little thing to give him,” Lively said.
“Because whenever I was in his position, I remember how frightened I was, and I was only 19 and he’s 18.”
A team of committed supporters
Flagg‘s arrival in Dallas heralds significant expectations, on court and off. The Mavericks organization clearly sees this not only as a rare gift, but as a strategic foundation for their future.
Having defied 1.8 percent odds to land the top selection, Dallas‘ front office, including key figures like GM Nico Harrison, have publicly committed to keeping the pick and building around Flagg’s potential.
Team executives describe the selection as a “gift” and a cornerstone of their longterm plans.
The team’s commitment goes beyond mere words. The Mavericks moved quickly to ink Flagg to his rookie contract on July 2, solidifying his status with the franchise.
His own mother, Kelly Flagg, has also taken on a formidable role in his transition. Having stepped away from a long career as a schoolteacher in Maine, she relocated, first to Florida, and now to Texas, to support Cooper’s NBA journey.
She now functions as both his emotional anchor and brand manager, balancing public attention with her identity as a grounded parent.
A flurry of awards and nextlevel potential
Flagg‘s résumé from his one-and-done season at Duke is staggering. His achievements include the Wooden and Naismith awards, and he was named ACC rookie and player of the year.
Now with the Mavericks, he joins a franchise eager to retool around fresh talent and veteran presence.
His fit seems a picture of timing. Dallas traded Luka Doncic and grabbed the opportunity for a dynamic turnaround.
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