Cooper Flagg Offers Mavericks Precious Commodity Lost In Doncic Deal

Forbes

16-05-2025

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off the improbable on Monday. They had a 1.8 percent chance of landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. But after moving up a record-setting 10 spots, they're positioned to add elite prospect Cooper Flagg.
The Mavericks' president of basketball operations and general manager, Nico Harrison, could not have envisioned this when the team traded franchise star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Here was the reaction from Harrison and Co. as the ping pong balls bounced them an unexpected lifeline.
The former Duke Blue Devil is among the best NBA prospects in years. He reclassified to join the collegiate ranks early. Before taking his talents to Durham, Flagg impressed as a member of the United States' select team while competing against the likes of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant.
Flagg then led Duke to a No. 1 seed entering the NCAA men's basketball tournament. The Maine native helped propel the Blue Devils to the Final Four before falling to the Houston Cougars on the doorstep of playing for a national title.
While his incredible season didn't conclude with cutting down the nets, he showcased an array of skills that project to becoming a franchise player at the next level.
Flagg is a three-level scorer. He can create for himself off the dribble against top defenders, whether on the perimeter or in the post. He has exceptional court vision. The 18-year-old phenom utilizes his size, seeing over the top of the defense to anticipate and create passing windows and lead teammates open. He delivers the ball with touch and precision.
Duke also trusted Flagg to bring the ball up the floor, especially in a game's later stages. As the defense applied backcourt pressure, head coach Jon Scheyer -- and Flagg's teammates -- wanted the ball in their star's hands.
At the other end of the floor, the top player in the nation has the length, physicality, anticipation, and enough foot speed to guard NBA wings. However, where he will be most impactful is as a help defender. He has the tools to be elite in that capacity.
Flagg covers ground quickly, eating up space to disrupt drives, deny passing lanes, and close out to contest shooters. His defensive versatility will allow the Dallas Mavericks to pair him with Anthony Davis and a center like Dereck Lively II or play him at the four.
One can't rule out Nico Harrison making another bold transaction. Perhaps, he offers this year's top selection to the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo or the Phoenix Suns for Devin Booker.
However, franchise stars on rookie contracts are as valuable as it gets. Even if the San Antonio Spurs, picking second overall, are willing to pay a premium to swap draft spots, is it really worth passing on a potential top option on a title contender who could carry this team for over a decade?
According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, unlike Luka Doncic's prime years, Dallas is unwilling to pass on what's to come for Flagg.
The top prospect in this year's draft class is capable of raising the Mavericks' ceiling and playoff longevity as a rookie before growing into an elite two-way player capable of following in Dirk Nowitzki's footsteps and leading the franchise to an NBA title.
It's a prospect many fans in Dallas were concerned wouldn't come to fruition for the foreseeable future after trading Doncic. While some will be reluctant to return and others may not, if Flagg lives up to the hype, hope will get restored, and a championship parade may follow.