Cooper Flagg lived up to expectations as the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft, with the Dallas Mavericks eagerly adding him to their roster. His arrival brings new hope to a franchise eager to harness his transformative potential. With Flagg leading the charge, the Mavericks anticipate a dynamic shift as the young phenom takes on a pivotal role in their pursuit of greatness. Former Warriors executive Bob Myers made a bold prediction for the Mavericks’ rising star, comparing him to Victor Wembanyama during his rookie season.
“I’m gonna say something that might be controversial: Victor Wembanyama got a lot of attention being the No. 1 pick. I could see Cooper Flagg impacting winning more than Victor did in his rookie year… The reason is Cooper Flagg is as NBA-ready as they come, and I’ll tell you why. He guards. He defends. He blocks. He steals,” Bob Myers said, via ESPN.
Cooper Flagg has not yet set foot on an official NBA court, but expectations are already sky-high. His game aligns seamlessly with Jason Kidd’s philosophy for the Mavericks, aiming for a balanced approach that emphasizes both defense and offense. Moreover, Flagg will play alongside veterans like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, which should ease his transition into the league.
While excitement surrounds Flagg’s debut, some fans worry about the intense pressure he faces. There are concerns that if Flagg needs time to adjust, he might face criticism similar to that directed at Bronny James. Thus, many advocate for patience, acknowledging his immense potential while urging a careful approach, since comparing him with a star like Victor Wembanyama might not be good for his development.
Nico Harrison hints at Mavericks’ long-term vision centered on Cooper Flagg
Following the conclusion of the 2025 NBA Draft, Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison addressed the media with insights into the franchise’s plans for top draftee Cooper Flagg: “I think it’s win now. It’s also win in the future…Eventually it’s going to be Cooper’s team. We don’t know when that transition will happen. So I think it’s win now and then set yourself up to win in the future as well,” he said in the post-draft conference.
Harrison’s statements highlight a strategic bet on Cooper’s future, shifting focus away from immediate performance. This approach aims to nurture his talent optimally. However, Cooper’s final season at Duke showcased his well-rounded abilities, as he averaged 19.2 points and contributed 7.5 rebounds per game, underscoring that he offers more than just scoring prowess.
Consequently, while their primary investment targets long-term potential, the team remains confident that Cooper can make a notable impact from the outset. His ability to contribute across various facets of the game suggests that he possesses the potential to transition seamlessly into a dynamic role within the team.