In a night full of anticipation, the Dallas Mavericks has won the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, positioning themselves to potentially select Duke’s prodigy, Cooper Flagg.
Flagg, 18 years old and standing 6-foot-9, is widely regarded as the top prospect in this year’s class. During his freshman season at Duke, he averaged 19.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, shooting 49.7% from the field and 38.2% from beyond the arc.
The draft lottery, held on May 12 in Chicago, granted the Dallas Mavericks the chance to select first overall, beating out other top contenders like the Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, and Utah Jazz, all of whom held a 14% chance at the top pick.
With the No. 1 selection in hand, the Dallas Mavericks is now in prime position to add Flagg to their roster-a player described as “generational” and capable of changing the course of a franchise. Experts praise his combination of offensive skills and defensive instincts, making him a centerpiece for any rebuilding team.
Cooper Flagg, the Next Big Thing in the NBA
Born in Newport, Maine, Cooper Flagg has been in the national spotlight since his early high school years. As the first player from Maine to reach this level of national acclaim, Flagg became the No. 1 recruit in the country after reclassifying to the 2024 class. His standout performance with USA Basketball and at Montverde Academy only heightened the hype around him.
Flagg’s game is defined by his elite two-way versatility. He is a gifted shot-blocker with impeccable timing, a capable ball-handler for his size, and a high-IQ passer who reads the floor with veteran-like poise. Offensively, he can score from all three levels and is known for his competitive drive and leadership-traits that have drawn comparisons to NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum.
Whether as a foundational cornerstone or a transformational talent, Cooper Flagg is expected to make an immediate impact at the professional level.
The 2025 NBA Draft will take place on June 25-26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The Dallas Mavericks is widely expected to confirm Flagg as the top pick, marking the beginning of a new era for the franchise.
Read the full article here
