Duke Blue Devils sensation Cooper Flagg, the presumed No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, appeared stunned by the Dallas Mavericks winning Monday’s draft lottery. However, a day later, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony provided clarity on Flagg’s camp’s perspective on him likely joining the Mavericks’ veteran-laden core.
After finishing 10th in the Western Conference (39-43), Dallas had just a 1.8% chance to win what many dubbed the Flagg sweepstakes. Nevertheless, it shockingly beat the odds and secured the No. 1 pick, shaking up this year’s draft landscape.
Instead of joining a rebuilding team as its centerpiece, Flagg is widely projected to play alongside Mavericks superstar big man Anthony Davis to begin next season. Additionally, Davis’ co-star Kyrie Irving (torn left ACL) could reportedly return by January, giving the franchise a potential Big 3 to begin the new year.
Cooper Flagg’s Camp Excited About Him Likely Joining Mavericks’ Win-Now Roster
While Flagg seemed to have mixed feelings upon witnessing Dallas’ draft lottery triumph,
While Flagg seemed to have mixed feelings upon witnessing Dallas’ draft lottery triumph, according to Givony, the 18-year-old’s camp views the organization as a strong fit. On Tuesday, the NBA insider reported on the 2025 Naismith College Player of the Year’s desire to contribute to a winning team from Day 1.
“Sources told ESPN that his camp realized how fortunate he is to land in Dallas,” Givony wrote. “Flagg is said to be thrilled by the idea of joining a playoff-caliber roster with strong veterans and a team that has a void at the small forward position. The Mavericks have a need for shot creators and will need Flagg to shoulder significant offensive responsibility as a rookie (similar to what we saw at Duke), which will be great for his long-term development.”
Listed at 6-foot-9, 225 pounds as a freshman, Flagg has been billed as an all-around, NBA-ready prospect capable of revitalizing a team during his rookie season. Assuming Dallas selects him, he should help the seasoned squad stay afloat in the stacked West next season as it awaits Irving’s return.
Over 37 contests with Duke, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 3-pointers per game, shooting 48.1%.
Flagg Looks Dominant at 2025 NBA Draft Combine
During his Tuesday report on Flagg’s pre-draft process, Givony noted that the phenom lived up to the hype to begin this year’s NBA Draft Combine.
“Flagg looked every bit the part of a franchise NBA player and surefire No. 1 pick in his 75 minutes on the court Tuesday,” Givony wrote. “… I was blown away by the energy, charisma and spirit Flagg brought to everything he did. He dominates every drill with his voice, cheering on teammates, lifting up the energy in the building and pushing players to be the best version of themselves, especially himself.”
Between his versatile skill set and reported eagerness to join Dallas, Flagg appears to be giving the franchise a no-brainer decision to kick off its offseason. As such, the Mavericks reportedly won’t entertain trade offers for their No. 1 pick ahead of the draft’s June 25 first round.
according to Givony, the 18-year-old’s camp views the organization as a strong fit. On Tuesday, the NBA insider reported on the 2025 Naismith College Player of the Year’s desire to contribute to a winning team from Day 1.
“Sources told ESPN that his camp realized how fortunate he is to land in Dallas,” Givony wrote. “Flagg is said to be thrilled by the idea of joining a playoff-caliber roster with strong veterans and a team that has a void at the small forward position. The Mavericks have a need for shot creators and will need Flagg to shoulder significant offensive responsibility as a rookie (similar to what we saw at Duke), which will be great for his long-term development.”
Listed at 6-foot-9, 225 pounds as a freshman, Flagg has been billed as an all-around, NBA-ready prospect capable of revitalizing a team during his rookie season. Assuming Dallas selects him, he should help the seasoned squad stay afloat in the stacked West next season as it awaits Irving’s return.
Over 37 contests with Duke, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 3-pointers per game, shooting 48.1%.
Flagg Looks Dominant at 2025 NBA Draft Combine
During his Tuesday report on Flagg’s pre-draft process, Givony noted that the phenom lived up to the hype to begin this year’s NBA Draft Combine.
“Flagg looked every bit the part of a franchise NBA player and surefire No. 1 pick in his 75 minutes on the court Tuesday,” Givony wrote. “… I was blown away by the energy, charisma and spirit Flagg brought to everything he did. He dominates every drill with his voice, cheering on teammates, lifting up the energy in the building and pushing players to be the best version of themselves, especially himself.”
Between his versatile skill set and reported eagerness to join Dallas, Flagg appears to be giving the franchise a no-brainer decision to kick off its offseason. As such, the Mavericks reportedly won’t entertain trade offers for their No. 1 pick ahead of the draft’s June 25 first round.
