Cooper Flagg: The New Star of the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA
On June 25, 2025, the basketball world witnessed a historic moment at the NBA Draft held at the Barclays Center in New York. The Dallas Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg, an 18-year-old forward from Duke University, as the No. 1 overall pick. Regarded by many as the most promising American prospect since LeBron James, Flagg enters the NBA with sky-high expectations and the talent to potentially transform the future of the Texas franchise. This article explores Flagg’s journey, skills, and potential impact as the young phenomenon now donning the Mavericks’ No. 32 jersey.
The Rise of a Precocious Talent
Origins in Newport, Maine
Born on December 21, 2006, in Newport, a small town in Maine, Cooper Flagg showed exceptional basketball talent from an early age. By 14, already standing at 6’7”, he was competing against older opponents in local tournaments. His physical gifts, combined with a competitive mindset, quickly set him apart. The son of Kelly Flagg, who played basketball at the University of Maine from 1995 to 1999, and Ralph Flagg, an NJCAA player at Eastern Maine Community College, basketball runs in Cooper’s blood.
Flagg began his high school career at Nokomis Regional High School, where, as a freshman, he led his team to a Maine state championship and was named the state’s Player of the Year. His meteoric rise prompted a transfer to Montverde Academy in Florida, a premier basketball school known for producing stars like Joel Embiid. At Montverde, Flagg guided the team to an undefeated 33-0 season, averaging 16.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game.
National Recognition
By age 15, Flagg was a well-known figure in youth basketball circuits. In 2022, he joined the U.S. U17 national team that won the FIBA U17 World Cup, earning him the USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year award, a distinction previously awarded to legends like LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal. His versatility and maturity on the court drew comparisons to greats like Scottie Pippen and Jayson Tatum.
Flagg also shone at the McDonald’s All-American Game, a showcase for the nation’s top high school players, and was named the Naismith Player of the Year. His decision to skip his senior year of high school and enroll at Duke University in 2023 was a defining moment, cementing his status as the top prospect in the 2024 class.
Shining at Duke
Historic Freshman Season
At Duke University, a college basketball powerhouse, Flagg had a freshman season that exceeded all expectations. Leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four of the 2025 March Madness tournament, he left a lasting impression despite a semifinal loss to the Houston Cougars. Flagg delivered standout performances, such as a 30-point, 6-rebound, 7-assist game in a win over Arizona.
His season averages were remarkable: 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game, with 38.5% three-point shooting, 84% free-throw shooting, and 48% field goal shooting. Flagg was named the nation’s top college player, winning the Wooden Award, and was also honored as the ACC Freshman of the Year, ACC Player of the Year, and the first freshman to win the EYBL Defensive Player of the Year award.
On-Court Versatility
Standing at 6’9” with a 221-pound frame and a 7’3” wingspan, Flagg combines size, athleticism, and tactical intelligence. His ability to play both the small forward and power forward positions makes him a versatile asset, capable of impacting the game on the perimeter and in the paint. Offensively, he’s a threat at all levels, creating his own shots, driving off screens, and scoring in transition. His playmaking ability allows him to operate as a point-forward in certain situations, a rare skill for someone of his size.
Defensively, Flagg is equally dominant. Known for his positional intelligence, shot-blocking timing, and ability to guard multiple positions, he averaged 1.6 steals per game at Duke, showcasing his aggressive defensive style. His rim protection and versatility make him an elite defender, with scouts likening his defensive impact to that of Scottie Pippen.
Arrival at the Dallas Mavericks
No. 1 Pick in the 2025 NBA Draft
The 2025 NBA Draft was a defining moment for both Flagg and the Mavericks. Despite having just a 1.8% chance of securing the No. 1 pick in the draft lottery, the Mavericks won the top spot for the first time in franchise history. Flagg’s selection was nearly unanimous, with the young star impressing during private workouts. Sources described him as “surreal” and a “complete monster” in workouts, surpassing the team’s expectations.
Flagg became the second-youngest player to be selected as the No. 1 overall pick, trailing only LeBron James. He will wear the No. 32 jersey for the Mavericks, marking the start of a new chapter for a franchise aiming to build a competitive future with Flagg as its cornerstone.
Fit with an Elite Roster
With the Mavericks, Flagg joins a talented roster featuring center Anthony Davis and guard Kyrie Irving, both former teammates of LeBron James at different points in their careers. Irving, a fellow Duke alum, is currently sidelined by injury but is expected to return in January 2026. The presence of seasoned veterans like Davis and Irving, along with coach Jason Kidd, known for developing versatile players, creates an ideal environment for Flagg’s growth.
LeBron James, speaking on the Mind The Game podcast, praised Flagg’s ability to play with and without the ball, his athleticism, and his potential to improve his shooting. He also noted that the Mavericks’ structure will allow Flagg to learn and develop without the immediate pressure of being the team’s primary star.
Skills and Playing Style
Multifaceted Offense
Flagg is a complete offensive player. His ball-handling and control, rare for a player of his height, enable him to create shots from the perimeter. He excels in pick-and-roll plays, capitalizing on mismatches to drive and score. His mid-range and long-distance shooting, while still developing, showed significant progress at Duke, with a 38.5% three-point shooting percentage.
Additionally, Flagg is an excellent passer with the vision to find open teammates under pressure. His ability to score in the paint, combined with his playmaking, makes him a constant threat. His true shooting percentage of 59.3% reflects his efficiency in converting shots.
Elite Defense
Defensively, Flagg is a game-changer. His wingspan and athleticism allow him to guard positions from point guard to center. Known for his shot-blocking and steal averages (1.4 blocks and 1.6 steals per game at Duke), he brings intensity and versatility to the defensive end. His ability to read plays and lead complex defensive schemes makes him a standout.
Comparisons to Legends
Flagg is often compared to Scottie Pippen for his blend of offensive and defensive versatility, as well as his high basketball IQ. Others liken him to Jayson Tatum, another Duke alum, for his ability to create plays and score in various situations. However, Flagg’s unique intensity and drive, as noted by LeBron James, set him apart.
Expected Impact in the NBA
A Future Star
Flagg’s arrival signals the start of a new era for the Mavericks. With a competitive roster featuring Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson, along with contract extensions for players like Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington, the team is poised to contend for a title in the 2025/26 season. Flagg’s tactical versatility and competitive mindset make him a perfect fit for Jason Kidd’s system, which values multifaceted players.
Analysts predict Flagg could become one of the NBA’s premier faces in the coming years, with a potential rivalry against Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs due to their complementary skill sets and two-way impact. Flagg’s projected WARP (Wins Above Replacement Player) of 5.3 is the third-highest since 2003, behind only Zion Williamson (5.5) and Luka Dončić (5.4).
Challenges to Overcome
Despite his talent, Flagg faces challenges typical of a young NBA player. His consistency in shooting, particularly from long range, needs refinement. However, at just 18 years old, he has ample time to develop. With guidance from veterans and an experienced coach, Flagg is well-positioned to overcome these hurdles and reach his full potential.
Personal Life and Fun Facts
Off the court, Flagg maintains a low profile, with minimal social media presence. He is sponsored by New Balance, which is investing in the basketball market, and Hugo Boss. Flagg has a twin brother, Ace, with whom he played in high school. While not officially confirmed, there’s speculation he supports the Boston Celtics, possibly tied to his admiration for Larry Bird, his basketball idol.
Flagg also impressed during workouts with the U.S. national team ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, holding his own against stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. His performance against these giants further solidified his reputation as a generational talent.
The Mavericks’ Future with Flagg
Flagg’s selection marks a historic milestone for the Mavericks, who secured the No. 1 pick for the first time in franchise history. With a roster that includes Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson, the team is set to compete for a championship in the 2025/26 season. The draft celebration at the American Airlines Center, attended by franchise legends and featuring 5,000 distributed jerseys, reflects the fans’ excitement for Flagg’s arrival.
Conclusion
Cooper Flagg is more than a prospect—he is a phenomenon who combines talent, intelligence, and passion for basketball. His journey from the courts of Newport to the top of the NBA Draft is a story of dedication and perseverance. At just 18, Flagg is already compared to basketball legends and has the potential to reshape the Dallas Mavericks’ history. As the 2025/26 season approaches, the basketball world will be watching closely to see how this young talent transforms the NBA.
