Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, is already generating significant buzz among the Dallas Mavericks’ fanbase.
Following a recently released video of his offseason workout and scrimmage has fans in awe of his ball-handling abilities, Mavs fanatics think they have their answer to NBA icon Kyrie Irving.
Dallas fans have already poured in with their praise to react to a highlight of the youngster’s slick moves, leaving his defender off balance before sending him to the floor – a demonstration of skill not often seen in a player of his size.
Flagg’s versatile skill set is a major factor behind the excitement surrounding his potential, and standing 6-foot-10 and possessing guard-like ball control, he draws comparisons to dynamic playmakers like Kyrie Irving.
Cooper Flagg paid the highest compliment
One fan on X.com (formerly Twitter) put it succinctly, “Dawg we really just drafted a 6’10 Kyrie Irving.”
A second said, “@dallasmavs @Cooper_Flagg OH MY GOODNESS.”
And a third wrote, “Cooper Flagg is the next Kobe Bryant.”
The comparisons come at a good time for Dallas as the Mavericks are entering the 2025/26 NBA season with question marks surrounding Irving’s fitness after he suffered an ACL tear in March.
This potential absence opens the door for Flagg to receive extensive minutes and responsibilities, although he will have to contend with another veteran in the form of D’Angelo Russell after the Mavs picked the ex-Los Angeles Laker up.
Cooper is expected to serve as a secondary playmaker, frequently handling the ball and showcasing his talents in a role that few rookies enjoy but one that he and his supreme talent could thrive in.
Additionally, the opportunity to play alongside Anthony Davis in the frontcourt, and potentially at point guard, sets him apart as a rare rookie prospect contributing immediately to a legitimate contender.
Flagg tipped to follow Luka Doncic out of Mavericks
Despite the early excitement, ESPN analysts and NBA experts are already speculating that Cooper Flagg’s tenure in Dallas may not last his entire career, something that will bring back deja vu to Luka Doncic’s shocking exit in 2025.
A recent poll of insiders revealed that 53.8 percent believe Flagg will play for at least two teams, and 34.6 percent expect him to play for three or more throughout his career, perhaps ending as a journeyman similar to Kevin Durant.
ESPN’s Zach Kram highlighted that while Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki spent his entire 21-year career in Dallas, such loyalty is increasingly rare in the modern NBA.
“The Mavericks should be especially motivated to retain Flagg for as long as possible,” Kram said. “Given the fan base’s discontent following the trade of Doncic.
However, he warns that “predicting any player in the modern NBA to remain with one team over his full career seems like a fool’s errand.”
Historically, only a few 21st-century stars such as Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo have remained with a single franchise, and even their future moves are uncertain as Giannis could head for the door at the Milwaukee Bucks.
The last first overall pick to stay 10+ seasons with his drafting team was Tim Duncan, highlighting the rarity of such careers today. Even LeBron James, drafted by his native Cleveland Cavaliers, quit to go to the Miami Heat.
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