In a move widely anticipated across the basketball world, the Dallas Mavericks officially selected Duke University star Cooper Flagg as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The announcement, made on June 25, 2025, from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, marked the beginning of a new era for the Mavericks and fulfilled a long-held dream for the 18-year-old phenom. Flagg is now the second No. 1 overall pick in Mavericks franchise history, following Mark Aguirre in 1981, and also the second youngest player ever drafted first overall, just days older than LeBron James was in 2003.

Flagg's journey to the NBA Draft was marked by extraordinary talent and numerous accolades. Hailing from Newport, Maine, he first gained national attention at Nokomis Regional High School, where he became the first freshman to win Maine's Gatorade Player of the Year. After transferring to Montverde Academy, he continued to excel, earning Gatorade National Player of the Year, Mr. Basketball USA, and Naismith Prep Player of the Year. His international success included a gold medal at the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup, where he was named All-Tournament and the youngest USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year since 1980. His single season at Duke solidified his status as a generational prospect; he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, leading the Blue Devils in all five major statistical categories. Flagg was a consensus National Player of the Year, winning the Wooden Award and Naismith Men's College Player of the Year, joining Zion Williamson as the only Duke freshmen to do so. He became the first ACC freshman in 25 years to record over 500 points and 100 assists.

Upon joining the Mavericks, Flagg's jersey number was confirmed to be No. 32, a number previously worn by notable Dallas players like Detlef Schrempf and Jamal Mashburn. This selection generated immense excitement among the Dallas fanbase, who had gathered at the American Airlines Center for a draft party. Fans expressed overwhelming support and eagerly lined up to purchase Flagg's new jersey, signaling a collective hope for championships. Maine also celebrated its native son's achievement, with Governor Janet Mills proclaiming June 25 as “Cooper Flagg Day” to honor his accomplishments and inspire youth across the state.

Flagg steps into a unique situation with the Mavericks, as he joins an already talented and established roster. Unlike many No. 1 picks who are expected to immediately carry the team, Flagg will play alongside veteran stars such as Kyrie Irving (who recently extended his contract despite a torn ACL), Anthony Davis (acquired in the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade), and Klay Thompson. Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison emphasized that Flagg would not have to carry the load, a sentiment echoed by Flagg himself, who stated his focus is on being himself, continuously improving, and contributing to winning. Discussions with Coach Jason Kidd have also focused on Kidd’s vision for how Flagg can impact the game, with Kidd expected to remain on the Dallas bench for the upcoming season despite earlier speculation of interest from other teams.

The Mavericks' acquisition of the No. 1 pick, despite having only a 1.8% chance in the draft lottery, fueled conspiracy theories linking it to the controversial mid-season trade of superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. These theories suggested the trade was orchestrated to secure the top pick for Flagg. However, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver denied such claims, stating he only learned of the Doncic trade hours before the public. Flagg, when asked about the theories, chuckled and said he had “no insider information” but felt “blessed for the way it all worked out.”

Beyond the court, Flagg’s interests include playing golf, often as a way to decompress, and NBA 2K. He also signed a multi-year sneaker deal with New Balance, wearing their shoes for the first time officially at the NBA Draft Combine. Financially, Flagg's situation is atypical for a No. 1 pick; his reported NIL earnings at Duke amounted to a staggering $28 million, significantly more than his initial NBA rookie salary of approximately $15.6 million per year over four years. However, his long-term financial trajectory is immense, with projections of potential supermax extensions that could lead to career earnings exceeding $900 million by the time he is 31 years old, cementing his path to becoming a billionaire.

As Cooper Flagg officially begins his professional career, he brings a versatile, two-way skillset, a winning mindset, and a calm demeanor that has drawn praise from basketball legends. His arrival in Dallas marks a pivotal moment for the franchise, as fans eagerly anticipate his contributions to a team aiming for championship contention for years to come.