As we all expected, Cooper Flagg was selected as the No.1 pick in the NBA Draft for the 2025-26 season. Everyone in the basketball world was aware of Cooper’s skill and the fact that he would undoubtedly be the No. 1 pick. Where he would end up was still in the air as the Mavs held the pick, but one can never know or predict what can happen in the NBA. In this case, however, the predictions turned out to be true as the Mavericks did not trade away their No.1 pick and snatched Cooper up as the first pick in the draft.
The 2025-26 NBA Draft gave us the usual drama and tears we expect
It has become an annual event to see the emotion on the young players’ faces ahead of the NBA draft. The outpouring and overwhelming emotion that they feel is clear as they make their teary-eyed walk onto the stage to stand next to Adam Silver. This year saw some emotional players giving credit to following their dreams and what the support of their family meant to them.
Cooper Flagg came into the draft with high expectations. We struggle to think of a player entering the NBA with as many expectations on his shoulders. He is a star before he even plays a single game in the NBA. Some have gone so far as to predict he will be the face of the NBA in the years to come. Cooper Flagg is the second youngest player to be drafted, only behind LeBron James.
Cooper Flagg is an era-defining prospect for the Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks are one of the most popular teams in the NBA. They have managed to create a championship-contending team in every modern-day era of the NBA. Cooper Flagg expedited his entrance into the NBA by skipping a year in high school so he could play for Duke University. The 6-foot-9 Maine local averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocked shots per game for Duke University.
The Mavs now have three former No.1 picks on their roster for next season in Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis, and future Hall-of-Famer Kyrie Irving. Most pundits put Flagg into the small forward position as he faces a packed backcourt in the Mavericks’ locker room. Following the Luka Doncic trade that had the Mavs fans up in arms, Dallas will see the Flagg selection as a step towards earning back the fans’ trust.
What were Cooper Flagg’s thoughts regarding the 2025-26 NBA Draft?
At this point, even Cooper Flagg knew that he would be playing for Dallas leading up to the draft. So it came as no surprise when the Mavs selected him as the first pick. As with all the draft class, his family was beside him, and his brother was brought to tears by the sight of Cooper on the stage with the Mavs cap on. The Mavs need to stay competitive in a league filled with championship-contending teams. Once the deal was done, Cooper had the following to say:
“I’m feeling amazing. It’s a dream come true, to be honest. I wouldn’t want to share it with anybody else.”
Can Cooper Flagg lead the Dallas Mavericks to glory next season?
The time has come in the NBA calendar for the trade rumors and speculation to dominate the headlines in the basketball world. The Mavs’ major competitors have made major changes to their squads, such as the extremely busy Boston Celtics, who offloaded two of their players in as many days. If the Mavericks are to challenge for the title next season, they will need Cooper Flagg to instantly perform in the NBA. Most NBA experts state that a draft class needs at least two years to develop into NBA-worthy players. We expect Cooper Flagg will not need that much time.
