Who is Cooper Flagg, number one NBA draft pick for 2025 picked by Dallas Mavericks?
Cooper Flagg is the new Maine man in Dallas.
The Mavericks took the Duke forward with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft Wednesday night, hoping they have found their next franchise superstar less than five months after trading Luka Doncic away to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Flagg, the college player of the year who averaged 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds while leading Duke to the Final Four. The Mavericks quickly announced that Flagg would wear No. 32 in Dallas, where fellow Duke products Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II are on the roster.
'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.'
His selection — considered likely ever since Flagg showed off his considerable game last summer after being invited to the U.S. Olympic team's training camp — was a daylong celebration in his home state for the 18-year-old forward from Newport, Maine.
'It means a lot to me to have the support of the whole state. I know how many people showed up today and supported me at some of the draft parties back home,' Flagg said. 'It feels amazing knowing I can inspire younger kids. I was in their shoes really not that long ago, so just to know I can give those kids those feelings and have the whole state behind me, it means a lot.'
RELATED | Los Angeles Lakers confirms sale of majority stake in franchise to Mark Walter
He joined Elton Brand, Irving, Zion Williamson and Paolo Banchero as Duke players drafted No. 1 since 1999, and he returned the draft to its longtime start with a one-and-done college player.
Rutgers freshman Dylan Harper was taken by the Spurs with the No. 2 pick and will try to follow Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle and give San Antonio a third straight NBA Rookie of the Year.
The 76ers then took Baylor's VJ Edgecombe, getting the first sustained burst of loud cheers of the draft from what seemed to be several Philadelphia fans who made the trip to Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The first two picks had long been expected, but the No. 3 spot was the first one where there was intrigue.
Kon Knueppel made it two Duke players in the first four picks when the Charlotte Hornets took him at No. 4.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves rejects $89.2M extension to bet on bigger payday
Image viaAustin Reaves might've walked away from nearly $90 million, but it's not because he's eyeing a Lakers exit. The 27-year-old guard, fresh off a career-best season, declined a four-year, $89.2 million max extension from the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. Instead of locking into a long-term deal now, Reaves is playing the long game—one that could land him an even bigger payday in the near future. But make no mistake: his heart, as he insists, is still in L.A. Austin Reaves turns down $89.2M to stay committed to his Los Angeles Lakers future Austin Reaves , who has one guaranteed year left on his current contract and a player option for 2026–27, is strategically keeping his options open. By declining the extension, he positions himself to enter unrestricted free agency in a couple of years and possibly secure a more lucrative deal—especially if his on-court trajectory continues upward. While the move sparked speculation about a possible departure, Reaves made it clear earlier this month that he's not looking to jump ship. Speaking at the Reaves Brothers Basketball Camp, he addressed the buzz head-on. 'I want to be in L.A.,' Reaves said. 'If they want to trade me, then we'll start something new somewhere else. But like I said, I want to be in L.A. I want to play my whole career in L.A.' He continued, 'I love it there. I love the fans. Love the weather, love the golf. And obviously, the Lakers is the best organization in basketball. I don't pay attention to [the noise]. I keep my head down, work, and I feel like that's one of the reasons I'm where I'm at.' Reaves' breakout year in 2024–25 supports that confidence. He averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, hitting 46% from the field and 38% from three-point range. His steady rise culminated in becoming one of just 10 players in Lakers history to average at least 20 points and five assists in a season. Also Read: LeBron James confirms return for 23rd season shaking up Los Angeles Lakers rebuild and NBA future Reaves' decision to wait isn't about uncertainty—it's about value. The former undrafted guard out of Oklahoma already made waves by signing a four-year, \$54 million deal in 2023. Now, after proving he belongs among L.A.'s elite, he's simply letting his game dictate his future price tag. As long as the Lakers want him, it's clear: Reaves wants to stay right where he is. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors might sign $46.5 million Dallas Mavericks star to bolster squad and improve Stephen Curry's title odds
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) and guard Stephen Curry (30) share a laugh during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit- D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images. The Golden State Warriors have been searching for the right move to solidify their roster—and Dallas' draft-night fortune may have just handed them the perfect opportunity. After the Mavericks landed Duke phenom Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick, their frontcourt is suddenly overflowing with talent, potentially making key contributor PJ Washington expendable. According to Blue Man Hoop's Tyler Watts, the Warriors, who desperately need size, defensive versatility, and reliable secondary scoring, this could be the ideal trade target to push them back into title contention. Washington, who played a crucial role in Dallas' 2024 NBA Finals run, now finds himself in a logjam behind Flagg, Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford. With the Mavericks likely looking to consolidate talent, Golden State should pounce—because the 26-year-old forward checks every box the Warriors need filled. Why P.J. Washington Makes Sense for the Golden State Warriors Watts laid out the reasoning behind this potential move: "The Golden State Warriors should trade for PJ Washington after the Cooper Flagg selection created a frontcourt logjam for the Mavericks. Dallas has Dereck Lively II locked in at the five with Anthony Davis at the four. That means playing Flagg at the three. The Mavs have Washington and Daniel Gafford behind them. All five players want significant minutes, and Dallas only has so many available in the frontcourt." (H/t: Sporting News) Washington's versatility fits Golden State's needs perfectly. Here's why: Dallas Mavericks (Image via USA TODAY Sports) - Defensive Flexibility: At 6'7', he can guard multiple positions and even operate as a small-ball center. - Offensive Reliability: He shoots efficiently (45.3% FG, 38.1% 3PT) and thrives in catch-and-shoot situations. - Playoff Experience: His contributions were key in Dallas' deep playoff run last season. How Washington Addresses Golden State's Weaknesses The Golden State Warriors struggled with two major issues last season: 1. Lack of Size: Their frontcourt was often outmatched against bigger teams. 2. Scoring Beyond Curry: Secondary scoring options were inconsistent. While the Jimmy Butler trade improved their roster, adding Washington could be the final piece to elevate them back into title contention. P.J. Washington's 2024-25 Season Stats Stat Category Average Per Game Points 14.7 Rebounds 7.8 Blocks 1.1 FG% 45.3% 3PT% 38.1% Why Dallas Might Move On from PJ Washington Despite his strong season, PJ Washington had a rough finale, going scoreless in 27 minutes during Dallas' Play-In loss to Memphis. However, his overall production (career-second-best numbers) makes him a valuable trade asset. With Flagg joining an already stacked frontcourt featuring Lively, Davis, and Gafford, Dallas may prioritize consolidating talent rather than keeping Washington as a reserve. What PJ Washington Brings to the Table - Efficient Offense: Excels in spot-up threes, closeout drives, and rim finishes. - Defensive Toughness: Switchable defender who can handle one-on-one matchups. - Championship Pedigree: Played a major role in a Finals-bound team. Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors predicted to sign $18,001,011 Charlotte Hornets rookie to bolster squad around Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler and improve title odds The Warriors need one more reliable piece to compete at the highest level. PJ Washington, now potentially available due to Dallas' roster crunch, could be the perfect addition. If Golden State can pull off this trade, they might just have enough to make another deep playoff run. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Decision on India's 2036 Olympic Games bid set to take longer than expected
A decision on India's bid for the 2036 Olympics is set to take longer than expected as the International Olympic Committee's new President Kirsty Coventry, on Thursday (June 26, 2025), announced a 'pause' on the entire process and set up a working group to figure out the 'appropriate time' to identify a future host. In an online press conference after taking over as the first woman and the first African President of the IOC, the former Olympic champion swimmer said the consensus among the members was to reassess the process. Earlier, a decision on the bid was expected next year. 'There was an overwhelming support from the IOC members for a pause to be done and a review of the future host election process and we will be setting up a working group to look into this,' the 41-year-old Zimbabwean said after chairing her maiden executive board meeting in Lausanne. '(This is) for two main reasons. Firstly, members want to be engaged more in the process and secondly there was a very big discussion on when should the next host be awarded,' he added in her opening remarks after the two-day meeting. Coventry said the executive board members felt that the experience of already decided future hosts — Los Angeles (2028 Summer Games), Brisbane (2032 Summer Games), and the French Alps (2030 Winter Games) — needed to be studied before proceeding on future proposals. 'So there was a lot of discussion on when is the appropriate time to elect a future host. And also how we should be selecting a future host,' she added referring to the relatively shorter 'lead-up time' that French Alps got due to awarding of the rights only last year. India submitted a Letter of Intent to host the 2036 Games in October last year. A delegation, comprising high-ranking officials led by Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao, is scheduled to be in Lausanne for informal talks on the issue next month.
