After landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks made the expected yet era-defining move on Draft day (Wednesday, June 25), and that is selecting Duke Phenom Cooper Flagg. The 6’9” forward out of Duke has long been projected as the top pick, and his arrival comes at a pivotal moment.
With Luka Dončić now in Los Angeles and the roster undergoing sweeping changes, Flagg becomes the new centerpiece of a reimagined Mavericks team.
Mavericks’ Projected Starting Lineup After Cooper Flagg’s Addition
Flagg’s arrival is the cornerstone, but it’s only one part of the Mavericks’ deeper blueprint. Let’s break down the updated starting lineup and how each piece fits into Dallas’ long-term puzzle.
Point Guard: Kyrie Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie (FA)
Shooting Guard: Klay Thompson, Max Christie
Small Forward: Cooper Flagg, Caleb Martin
Power Forward: Anthony Davis, P.J. Washington
Center: Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford
Kyrie Irving
While Kyrie Irving is currently sidelined with a torn ACL suffered in March, his place in the Mavericks’ core remains unquestioned. When healthy, Irving is an elite shot-creator and floor general. His 2024-25 numbers – 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, speak for themselves. More than stats, Irving brings poise, championship experience, and elite shot-making.
His eventual return will allow the Mavs to maximize spacing and allow Flagg to operate more freely in the half-court. Irving’s iso-scoring and passing will pair nicely with a big like Anthony Davis and a slasher like Flagg.
Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson might not be the explosive scorer he once was, but he remains one of the most respected sharpshooters in the game. Last season, he put up 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and two assists per game, shooting 39.1% from 3-point range. Off-ball movement is his calling card. He is lethal off screens, and that’s vital next to a playmaker like Irving or a drive-and-kick threat like Flagg.
Thompson stretches the defense horizontally, giving Flagg lanes to drive and bigs like Davis room to operate in the post.
Cooper Flagg
This is where it gets exciting. Flagg is a modern forward with no glaring weaknesses. He posted 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 48.1% shooting in college. Moreover, Flagg brings two-way intensity, elite defensive versatility, and a motor that fits the Mavericks’ new DNA.
FLAGG CAPTURED!
WELCOME TO DALLAS, COOPER! @Academy // #FlaggCaptured #MFFL pic.twitter.com/NJ4RnsR6Lt
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) June 26, 2025
Also, Flagg’s switchability allows him to guard 1 through 5. Offensively, he can pass, finish through contact, and hit open jumpers. In many ways, he’s the perfect link between the backcourt and the frontcourt.
Anthony Davis
After being traded midseason and briefly sidelined with a left adductor strain, Anthony Davis is expected to return fully healthy. He averaged 20 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in limited action for the Mavericks this season and will now play in his preferred position at the 4.
Davis’ presence next to Flagg gives the Mavericks two elite defenders on the wing and interior. He’s the glue that binds this unit together. He is capable of stepping out, defending pick-and-rolls, and dominating inside.
Dereck Lively II
With Daniel Gafford re-signed to a three-year deal, Dallas still maintains depth at the five. But Dereck Lively II is the long-term answer for the position. In only 36 games last season, he averaged 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, showing flashes of elite rim protection and finishing.
Lively fits perfectly with Davis and Flagg. He screens, rolls, blocks shots, and doesn’t need the ball. That’s the kind of low-maintenance center you need next to high-usage stars.
If Irving can return healthy, and if Flagg is as NBA-ready as scouts believe, this Dallas team might surprise even the most skeptical observers. The rebuild is over for the Mavs as the Flagg era begins.
