In one of the more shocking NBA Draft lotteries of all time, the Dallas Mavericks won the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and the right to select Duke’s Cooper Flagg. Although not every draft has a consensus No. 1 pick, several franchises have had the benefit of knowing without a doubt who their top option is atop the draft.
The Cleveland Cavaliers had no decision to make when they won the lottery and earned the right to select LeBron James. That happened again in 2023 with the San Antonio Spurs, winning the right to select Victor Wembanyama. Anthony Edwards, who has the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, seemed like a no-brainer as well.
Perhaps the most famous example was when the Orlando Magic won the 1992 NBA Draft Lottery and had Shaquille O’Neal jerseys ready to go.
That appears to be the case once again this year, as Flagg seems to be the unanimous top overall selection.
Why Cooper Flagg Is a Perfect Fit for the Dallas Mavericks
Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 48% from the field, 39% from 3, and 84% from the line. According to PFSN’s Brandon Austin, Flagg is a perfect fit for what the Mavericks are trying to do.
“Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison faced heavy scrutiny for trading away Luka Dončić. Now, after a lucky bounce of the ball, he secures a new franchise centerpiece in Cooper Flagg, a player poised to reignite the excitement in Dallas,” Austin wrote. “Flagg enters the NBA with an exceptionally refined, all-around game.”
Flagg’s maturity and refined game at just 18 years old would have any team salivating at the prospect of landing him, but he is an especially good fit in Dallas. “What makes Flagg so special is his ability to elevate teammates while adapting seamlessly to any role,” Austin wrote.
“He doesn’t dominate possessions unnecessarily or force shots, and his understanding of spacing, timing, and decision-making makes him an ideal fit alongside Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. His strengths align perfectly with Dallas’ renewed focus on size and defensive versatility.
“One of the most advanced freshmen the college game has seen in years, Flagg combines immediate impact with long-term superstar potential — a game-changer in every sense.”
SEE MORE: 2025 NBA Mock Draft
Irving, of course, tore his ACL down the stretch last season but is eyeing a January return.
“If you think about the Dallas Mavericks, what are they missing?” asks ESPN’s Seth Greenberg. You got Kyrie Irving, you got Klay Thompson, you got Davis, and you got [Dereck] Lively II. What are you missing? A small forward.”
“He’s not going to have the pressure that most overall No. 1s have because he’s playing with All-Stars. He’s playing with some of the best players in the history of the game.
Coach Seth has Flagg/Mavs thoughts
*The PJ dismissal is noticed though pic.twitter.com/i4f0UR0iMI— MavsHighlights (@MavsHighlights)
If Irving and Davis are healthy, putting Flagg with them would not only put less pressure on Flagg’s development but potentially give them a true big three should Flagg show signs of living up to his lofty expectations.
