Cooper Flagg poised to become Mavericks' number one pick

On June 25, 2025, at the Barclays Center in New York City, the NBA Draft is taking place, and it is expected that Cooper Flagg, a standout player from Duke University, will be chosen as the first overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks. Flagg has garnered attention for his impressive performance during his season at Duke, where he averaged 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four and earning NCAA Player of the Year honors. His skills and versatility have made him the clear favorite for this prestigious position, especially after the Mavericks secured the No. 1 pick in the draft lottery with just a 1.8% chance. The team's decision to select Flagg comes after they traded away their previous star player, Luka Doncic, making his selection pivotal for the franchise's future and re-establishing their position in the NBA. Cooper Flagg expressed his excitement about being potentially drafted by the Mavericks, stating that the support of his family and friends, who are from Dallas, adds to the significance of this moment. Flagg is known for his 'positionless' mindset, indicating he is prepared to handle various roles on the court. Additional teams, such as the San Antonio Spurs and the Philadelphia 76ers, are also looking to strengthen their rosters in the draft following the Mavericks, who are focused on incorporating Flagg as an impactful player that can contribute immediately. Flagg's selection is noteworthy as it could mark a return to tradition with an American college player taking the top pick after two consecutive years with players from France.