2025 NBA Draft: Cooper Flagg Selected First Overall by Mavericks
The opening pick of the 2025 NBA Draft was pretty straightforward, lacking any major surprises. Cooper Flagg was selected by the Dallas Mavericks, which had been a consistent prediction over the past year.
Commissioner Adam Silver officially announced Flagg as the first choice at Barclays Center. As a Freshman Forward from Duke, he became the sixth player from that college to be taken first overall, a notable feat considering there have only been a handful from NCAA history.
Interestingly, four of these six players have been chosen in the last 15 years. Flagg’s selection adds him to a list that includes NBA stars like Kyrie Irving (2011), Zion Williamson (2019), and Paolo Banchero (2022), all of whom played for Duke.
Flagg shared his thoughts on his selection, calling it “unrealistic.” He expressed gratitude while acknowledging the enormity of the moment, saying, “I don’t know if it’s truly sunk in yet, but I’m really trying to take it all in.”
He added, “My mom has always told me, if you’re the best player in the gym, maybe it’s time to find a new gym. I just felt it was time to challenge myself in a different environment.” It’s clear he’s ready to embrace this new chapter in his life.
Interestingly, he joins Kentucky as one of the only colleges with three overall No. 1 picks, which include John Wall, Anthony Davis, and current Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns.
At just 18, Flagg is now embarking on his NBA journey alongside veterans like Davis and Irving. There’s some uncertainty around the Mavericks, especially with their head coach Jason Kidd, who might be replaced after a lackluster season without superstar Luka Dončić.
Flagg downplayed the pressure that comes with stepping into such a significant role with the Mavericks, stating, “I don’t see it as pressure… I’m not really concerned about meeting expectations.” It appears he’s ready to make his own path.
The Maine native reflected on the recent trade involving Dončić and how it affected him and his Duke teammates after an intense rivalry game against North Carolina. “It really caught us off guard,” he admitted, describing the moment as shocking and crazy.
The Mavericks’ win of the top pick—with a mere 1.8% chance—feels a bit surreal. Flagg’s career marks a shift after international players had dominated the previous No. 1 picks, including French phenom Victor Wembanyama and Zaccharie Risacher.
Before this, freshman athletes had not been chosen first in drafts for 13 consecutive years, dating from 2010 to 2022. It’s a significant turn in trends.
On another note, Rutgers guard Dylan Harper is projected to go second overall to San Antonio, but his teammate Ace Bailey has also garnered attention.
Additionally, Brooklyn entered the draft night with five first-round picks after a recent trade involving Kristaps Porziņģis. They had selections 8, 19, 22, 26, and 27 ready to go.
The Knicks, meanwhile, are in their own position after acquiring Mikal Bridges last summer, resulting in not having a pick until the 50th in the second round.
