Dallas Mavericks Select Cooper Flagg as No. 1 Overall Pick in 2025 NBA Draft

Brooklyn, NY – June 25, 2025 – The Dallas Mavericks made Duke University freshman Cooper Flagg the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft Wednesday night at Barclays Center, capping a dramatic offseason for the franchise and setting a new course for its future.

Flagg, 18, is widely regarded as a generational talent and was the consensus top prospect throughout the draft process. The 6-foot-8 forward arrived at Duke with immense expectations and delivered, earning consensus All-American honors and multiple national player of the year awards, including the Wooden and Naismith Awards. He averaged 19.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game, leading the Blue Devils to a 35-4 record and a Final Four appearance.

Flagg’s selection is historic: he is the first White American to be chosen No. 1 overall since Kent Benson in 1977, and only the second No. 1 pick in Mavericks franchise history, following Mark Aguirre in 1981. “It’s a dream come true,” Flagg said after hearing his name called. “I’m excited to learn from Hall of Fame-caliber players in Dallas”.

Dallas landed the top pick by defying 1.8% lottery odds after a 39-43 season that ended with a play-in elimination, just a year removed from an NBA Finals appearance. The Mavericks’ fortunes shifted dramatically this offseason after a blockbuster trade sent five-time All-NBA guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, a move that shocked and angered much of the fan base. Flagg’s arrival is seen as a key step in rebuilding both the roster and fan confidence.

Flagg joins a frontcourt featuring Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford, and is expected to start immediately, especially with star guard Kyrie Irving set to return from a knee injury later in the season. Mavericks management and fans hope Flagg’s elite defensive versatility, scoring ability, and basketball IQ will help the team contend in the Western Conference and restore excitement to a franchise in transition.

The 2025 NBA Draft continues with Flagg as the headline, as Dallas looks to turn the page and build around its new cornerstone.