The Dallas Mavericks added a major piece to their future on NBA Draft night, selecting Duke standout Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick. After winning the 2025 draft lottery, Dallas followed expectations and took the 18-year-old forward, who is widely considered one of the most promising prospects in years. Following the pick, Mavericks star Anthony Davis welcomed Flagg with a video message shared on the team’s official social media account.
“From one number one overall pick to another, congratulations, man,” Davis said. “Welcome to Dallas, I’m thrilled to have you here. Enjoy this night with your family”.
Davis also referenced a now-viral moment from last summer’s Team USA training scrimmage in Las Vegas, where Flagg hit a three-pointer over him. “I still remember that time you hit that three-pointer over me in Vegas last summer, so I’ve got to get you back for that… We’ll get some work in soon, but for now, enjoy your night and stay safe,” Davis added.
With the addition of Flagg, the Mavericks become just the sixth team in the past 35 years to roster three former No. 1 overall picks simultaneously. The rookie joins Davis, who was drafted out of Kentucky in 2012, and Kyrie Irving, the No. 1 selection from Duke in 2011.
Flagg’s arrival in Dallas fills a significant void left by Luka Doncic, who was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this year in a move that drew heavy criticism from fans.
However, general manager Nico Harrison has quickly rebuilt a competitive roster around Davis and Irving. With Flagg’s high ceiling and Irving’s leadership — provided the veteran guard returns to full strength following an ACL tear — the Mavericks are expected to be a serious threat in the Western Conference next season.
The rookie averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks across 37 games during his lone season at Duke. He now joins a Mavericks core that also includes veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson.
Speaking to local reporters after being selected, Flagg expressed gratitude and excitement for the opportunity. “It’s incredible,” Flagg said. “I feel blessed for this opportunity. Not a lot of No. 1 picks get this opportunity to go into a team alongside guys like AD, Kyrie, Klay — such high-level guys. I feel really blessed”.
“I want to be a sponge. I want to learn as much as I can,” he added. “I think AD is an incredible role model the way he plays the game on both sides of the ball and impacts winning. So I think it’ll be incredible for me to learn and figure things out”.