Mavericks pick Cooper Flagg at No. 1 in 2025 NBA draft

Dallas Mavericks have bagged the services of forward Cooper Flagg with the first pick of the 2025 NBA draft on Wednesday night. Flagg led the Duke in points, rebounds, assists and steals and he was a big favorite for the number one pick. The 18-year-old thus played an instrumental role in taking the Blue Devils to the Final Four in last season.

Flagg became the second-youngest No. 1 pick of all time, after LeBron James.

“I’m feeling amazing. It’s a dream come true, to be honest,” Flagg said after his selection, with his family by his side. “I wouldn’t want to share it with anybody else.”

Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said they are excited to have Flagg on board.

“It’s a generational talent, a once-in-a-lifetime chance,” Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said. “So just top to bottom, we’re excited.”

Flagg won the Wooden Award and the Naismith Award, averaging 19.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals while leading the Blue Devils to a 35-4 record and a Final Four appearance.

“I think the biggest thing is he’s a two-way player,” Harrison said. “When you watch him play, he plays hard. … When you have a player that’s that good and people talk about the intangibles — they don’t talk about basketball — then that’s a guy who’s going to add to your culture.”

The Mavericks have players like Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving and James said Flagg will benefit hugely while playing with experienced players.

“I’m really excited. I think I keep saying I’m excited to be a sponge, to get down there and just learn, be surrounded by Hall of Fame-caliber guys and just to be able to learn from them,” Flagg said. “It’s going to be an incredible experience. I feel so blessed to be in the position I am.”

Flagg will look to deliver his best while playing with the big boys.