Rich Paul, one of the most influential figures in basketball and the agent for Mavericks star Anthony Davis, sees nothing but upside for Cooper Flagg if the Dallas Mavericks select him with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Following the Mavericks’ improbable lottery win, which gave them the top pick despite just a 1.8% chance, debate has swirled about whether Dallas should use the pick on Flagg or explore trading it for an established superstar. Paul sees no outcome aside from the Mavs drafting Flagg.

“I think the Mavs take him, and I think it’s the right thing for the kid,” Paul said in an interview. “There’ll be no trade.”

Rich Paul says Cooper Flagg going No. 1 overall to Dallas would allow him to develop on a reasonable timeline as a rookie
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Paul emphasized that the Mavericks offer a unique opportunity for the 18-year-old Duke standout to grow alongside proven talent—something not every No. 1 pick is afforded.

“When you look at Cooper Flagg—look at where he is today—his ability to develop next to guys like AD and Lively, and also playing with Kyrie once he’s back, I think it helps him,” Paul explained.

Flagg, who led Duke to the Final Four and averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 48.1% shooting, has long been projected as the consensus top pick. His performance at the NBA Draft Combine further cemented his status, showcasing athleticism, feel, and maturity beyond his years.

Still, Paul stressed that developing a No. 1 pick takes time, and Dallas’ roster structure allows for that patience.

Paul acknowledged that top picks often face immediate and unrealistic pressure to carry franchises from day one. That burden, he argued, can be counterproductive.

“Oftentimes guys go No. 1 and we put so much expectation on these young players, and that’s not really realistic,” he said. “This allows him to develop on a real timeline. He gets to play through mistakes without all the pressure being there.”

With Davis anchoring the defense, Dereck Lively II providing interior support, and Kyrie Irving expected to return from injury in early 2026, Flagg won’t be forced into a savior role. Instead, he can focus on growing into his game while learning from great players.

“That kind of pressure isn’t realistic, especially when you’re trying to equate it to wins,” Paul said. “But it’s okay to develop into the guy. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

Paul pointed out that while other destinations like Utah or San Antonio may have offered Flagg different developmental tracks, Dallas presents the right mix of mentorship and long-term opportunity.

“Not saying that if he went to Utah or San Antonio it wouldn’t be [a good situation]—but I know when you think No. 1, you think of the guy right away,” Paul added. “But it’s okay to develop into the guy.”

The Mavericks are widely expected to draft Flagg. Dallas sees Flagg as a foundational piece in the post-Luka Dončić era, one who can grow alongside a veteran core and eventually take the reins.

If all goes to plan, Flagg could become the centerpiece of the Mavericks’ next era—not by being rushed into superstardom, but by having the freedom to grow into it.

“I think this will be a good fit for him,” Paul said. “It’s a great environment.”