The Dallas Mavericks officially selected Cooper Flagg as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, marking a watershed moment for the franchise.
The Duke University standout brings renewed hope to Dallas fans who are still processing Luka Dončić’s shocking February trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. Flagg’s arrival signals a new chapter for a franchise that reached the NBA Finals just one season ago.
For the 18-year-old Newport, Maine, native, draft night represented the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of his professional basketball journey. The Mavericks wasted no time celebrating their new cornerstone player, sharing a heartfelt video that captured Flagg’s first conversation with head coach Jason Kidd as an official member of the team.
Kidd Delivers Perfect Welcome Message to New Star
Within hours of the draft, Dallas posted a video on their X account showcasing the genuine connection between Flagg and Kidd. The clip, simply captioned “Finally calling ‘that kid from Duke'” with a phone emoji, reveals the authentic moment when coach and player officially connected for the first time.
The video opens with both men answering the call, immediately setting a warm, familial tone. Kidd wastes no time offering reassurance to his newest player, telling Flagg with evident warmth, “You can breathe now!” The rookie’s grateful “thank you” response captures the relief and excitement of a young man who has just achieved his lifelong dream.
Finally calling ‘That kid from Duke’ ☎️@Academy // #FlaggCaptured #MFFL pic.twitter.com/Eqx98rPlYC
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) June 26, 2025
Their conversation flows naturally as Kidd inquires about Flagg’s draft day experience. When asked if he was sweating from the excitement, Flagg laughs and responds honestly: “I’ve been sweating all day. It’s been hot, man, but I’m excited.” The exchange perfectly encapsulates the mixture of nerves and anticipation that defines such momentous occasions.
Kidd then shifts into his role as coach and mentor, officially welcoming Flagg to the roster while building anticipation for what’s ahead. “I think that number 32 will look good on you,” he tells the rookie, painting a picture of Flagg’s future in Dallas. The call concludes on a lighter note, with Kidd playfully suggesting that Flagg will cover their next golf outing, drawing genuine laughter from both men and highlighting the instant rapport between coach and player.
The video ends with “Flagg Captured” displayed prominently in blue, cementing the franchise’s excitement about their new acquisition.
Historic Selection Sets Stage for Championship Pursuit
Flagg’s selection carries significant historical weight, as he becomes the second-youngest No. 1 overall pick in NBA history at 18 years, six months, and four days old. Only LeBron James, selected at 18 years, five months, and 24 days in 2003, was younger when drafted first overall. This distinction places Flagg in elite company from the very beginning of his professional career.
The rookie joins a Dallas roster that has been completely transformed since their Finals appearance. Alongside Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, Flagg becomes part of a formidable core built around championship aspirations. His dynamic skill set, showcased throughout his dominant season at Duke, made him a global sensation before he even entered the draft.
During his lone collegiate campaign, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 48.1 percent from the field. His leadership propelled the Blue Devils to the NCAA Final Four before they fell to the University of Houston, though his individual excellence never wavered.
The freshman collected numerous accolades, including ACC Rookie of the Year, a spot on the ACC All-Defensive Team, and the prestigious Wooden Award as the nation’s top player.
With Flagg’s arrival, Dallas will deploy a starting lineup featuring three former No. 1 overall picks: Flagg (2025), Davis (2012), and Irving (2011). This historic combination represents the first time any NBA team has fielded such a trio since the Los Angeles Lakers accomplished the feat in 1989 with Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy.
When this formidable lineup debuts in October, it will offer Mavericks fans renewed championship hope following the franchise’s dramatic transformation from their Finals run to their current star-studded roster.
