Cooper Flagg Gets Bold 'Jackpot' Prediction from Gilbert Arenas On Mavs Landing Spot
Gilbert Arenas spent 12 seasons navigating the highs and lows of NBA stardom. Now known for his unfiltered commentary, the former All-Star guard offered one of his most compelling takes yet — and it centers around Cooper Flagg's unique entry into the league.
Advertisement
On a recent episode of his podcast, "Gil's Arena," Arenas declared that Flagg—the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft—may have landed in the most ideal rookie situation in recent memory.
'This kid just hit the jackpot,' Arenas said. But the former Wizard wasn't simply referring to Flagg's $62.7 million rookie deal or his highlight-loaded resume from Duke. Instead, Arenas spotlighted what he views as the rare psychological advantage the rookie forward enjoys by starting his career in Dallas.
Unlike most No. 1 picks who are asked to save floundering franchises, Flagg joins a Mavericks team who went to the finals in 2024 and now built around veteran stars like Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson.
'They win 50-something games, nobody's gonna say anything about him,' Arenas explained. 'They lose? They're gonna blame AD. Right now, AD is the number one focal point, so whatever Cooper Flagg adds to it helps AD, but it also helps himself too.'
Advertisement
According to Arenas, the 'math of blame' works in Flagg's favor — a rare privilege for a top draft pick. Flagg won't be the face of the franchise on Day One. Instead, he gets to develop in what Arenas calls a 'learning lab,' surrounded by elite basketball minds and protected by the spotlight directed elsewhere.
The Duke phenom's college resume includes a 35–4 record, a Final Four appearance and a Wooden Award. But in Dallas, he'll be the fourth offensive option behind Davis, Irving and Thompson — a tactical blessing, according to Arenas.
'If he averages 20 and 10 because no one's focusing on him, you're talking about Tim Duncan when he went to the Spurs,' Arenas said, invoking one of the most successful rookie cases in NBA history. The comparison extends beyond stats; it's about context — joining a contending roster that allows a rookie to grow without the crushing expectations of instant stardom.
Flagg's unique fit in Dallas also makes basketball sense. At 6-foot-8, his point-forward skill set aligns perfectly with the Mavericks' positionless style. His ball-handling, perimeter defense and off-ball awareness give head coach Jason Kidd new layers of lineup flexibility without compromising rim protection or spacing.
Advertisement
Arenas' praise digs deeper into the psychological and cultural blueprint Dallas has built — a rare combination of urgency and stability. The Mavericks are a team ready to win now, yet capable of developing young talent. That's a formula few franchises have mastered.
Flagg's presence also benefits from the mentorship of seasoned pros. Irving brings championship pedigree and creativity. Thompson offers a masterclass in off-ball movement. Davis remains one of the league's best two-way bigs. For Flagg, the opportunity to study and contribute alongside such veterans is invaluable.
And with the league's financial landscape evolving, Flagg's rookie contract could be the stepping stone to a supermax deal by 2029 — potentially worth over $350 million if he ascends to All-NBA status. That path requires both impact and patience—and Dallas offers both.
Arenas emphasized that Flagg won't be immune to criticism — his status as a No. 1 pick ensures early scrutiny. But unlike many of his predecessors, the infrastructure around him allows for both growth and protection.
Advertisement
The stakes are still high. Expectations follow top picks no matter where they land. But in Gilbert Arenas' eyes, Cooper Flagg is walking into a franchise ecosystem perfectly built to turn promise into production — and production into perennial All-Star status.
The most fascinating rookie storyline of the 2025–26 season may have already been written. All that's left is for Flagg to cash in on what Arenas calls the 'jackpot' of modern NBA rookie situations.
Related: Mavs' Kyrie Irving Speaks Out on 'Beautiful Struggle' Injury Return Timeline
Related: French Sharpshooter Could Shock Mavs Fans In Summer Roster Bid
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
25 minutes ago
- Yahoo
LA Sparks' Cameron Brink nears return after 13-month ACL recovery
NEW YORK (AP) — Cameron Brink can see the light at the end of the tunnel. She's been out for 13 months after tearing the ACL in her left knee in a game at Connecticut in June last season. Now she's been cleared to play again and is eager to get back on the court with her Los Angeles Sparks teammates. 'I feel great. I'm super thankful that the Sparks have let me take my time and really feel great coming back,' Brink said to a few reporters after shootaround Saturday. 'I'm excited to be out there with my teammates.' Brink has been working toward playing in a game. After the Sparks finished their pregame shootaround, Brink went to the Barclays Center practice court and got in another 20-minute workout. 'I've put in a lot of hard work. I feel like what people usually see is me living my life normally, but people don't see the hours and hours that I put in the gym with my trainers, amazing training staff," she said. 'I've been working my (behind) off, so I definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel for sure.' Coach Lynne Roberts said that Brink won't play against the Liberty on Saturday night, but expects the 6-foot-4 forward back soon. Three of their next four games are at home after Saturday. 'It's hard to come in midseason, and then you add the mental aspect that every athlete struggles with being out that long,' Roberts said. Brink's been around the team as much as she could over the past year and also found ways to keep herself busy during the long rehab process, starting a podcast and graduating from Stanford. 'It's really tough mental, waking up every day and watching your team from the sideline cheering everyone on. I love cheering on my teammates, but there comes a point where I want to be out there too,' Brink said. 'So, I'm just really happy to be at that point and just thankful for everyone along the way.' Brink said that it's been tough during the long recovery period. She knows it will take time to get back to where she was before she got injured. Before she got hurt, Brink, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, was averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. 'It's a little nerve-wracking for sure., I'm just really going to try to be patient with myself because I'm definitely not where I was last year,' she said. 'It's still a work in progress, but yeah, just thankful for the fans. Really excited to be able to just go out there and do what I love.' ___ AP WNBA:
Yahoo
25 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Steelers announce 2025 Hall of Honor class headlined by Ben Roethlisberger
Few NFL franchises can boast the sheer volume of talent over the decades that the Pittsburgh Steelers can. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is filled with former Steelers and the franchise has six Super Bowl championships. The team also has their own Ring of Honor and each year a select few former Steelers legends get their names added. On Saturday, the Steelers announced the three former Steelers who will be a part of the 2025 class. This class is headlined by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He is joined by center Maurkice Pouncey and outside linebacker Joey Porter. To be considered for the Hall of Honor, a player must be retired for at least three seasons, have spent at least three seasons with the Steelers, and obviously have had a significant impact on the team during their tenure. Other members of the Hall of Honor include Terry Bradshaw, Joe Greene, Franco Harris, Jack Lambert, Jack Ham, Mel Blount, Mike Webster, Dermontti Dawson, John Stallworth, Rod Woodson, Troy Polamalu, Donnie Shell, Ernie Stautner, Jerome Bettis, and Alan Faneca. According to the team's press release, the Steelers will welcome the 2025 Hall of Honor Class when the team takes on the Miami Dolphins on Monday, Dec. 15. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers announce 2025 Hall of Honor class headlined by Ben Roethlisberger
Yahoo
25 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Blues Have Big Move To Make With Breakout Forward
The St. Louis Blues' decision to tender an offer sheet to forward Dylan Holloway this past off-season undoubtedly proved to be a great decision. After the Edmonton Oilers elected not to match the Blues' two-year, $4,580,914 offer sheet for Holloway, he broke out in a major way in his first season with St. Louis.
