Cooper Flagg’s arrival to the Dallas Mavericks has sparked excitement beyond his rookie status. Amid the buzz, fans are curious about a smaller detail: the number he’ll wear on his jersey. Numbers in basketball often carry stories…
Throughout his youth and prep school years, he favored a specific number that connects deeply to his family roots. His college years saw a shift, but the NBA marks a return to that meaningful digit, reflecting more than just tradition.
As he steps onto the big stage, his jersey number symbolizes a blend of personal history and fresh beginnings—a subtle but telling part of the story behind this rising star.
What number will Cooper Flagg wear on his Mavericks jersey?
Cooper Flagg has officially been selected by the Dallas Mavericks as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Shortly after the announcement, the team unveiled that he will wear jersey number 32 during his professional career.
Cooper Flagg jersey of the Dallas Mavericks. (Source: WFAA)
The Mavericks wasted no time in showcasing his new jersey, with 3,000 units available for sale at the team’s Draft Watch Party. The swift rollout underscores Dallas’ intent to integrate him as a cornerstone alongside established stars like Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.
Why number 32 holds special meaning for Cooper Flagg?
The choice of number 32 is more than a mere preference; it’s a tribute to Flagg’s family and personal history. His mother Kelly wore the number during her high school basketball days, inspired by Duke legend Christian Laettner. This connection to Laettner’s legacy adds another layer of significance to the number.
His decision to return to number 32 in the NBA is a heartfelt homage to his family’s legacy and the mentors who have shaped his journey. It’s a number that symbolizes resilience, tradition and the unwavering support of those who have been with him since the beginning.
What number did Cooper Flagg use to wear?
Throughout his high school and prep school years, Cooper donned the number 32 jersey, a choice that honored his mother’s influence and the legacy of Duke’s Christian Laettner. However, upon joining Duke University, he was unable to wear number 32 due to its retirement in honor of Laettner.
Consequently, he selected number 2 to pay tribute to Donovan Kurt, a close family friend and former teammate of his older brother, who tragically passed away from cancer, according to sources like Secret Dallas.
At Duke, his number jersey became synonymous with his impactful presence on the court. His transition to number 32 with the Mavericks signifies a return to his roots and a continuation of the personal narratives that have defined his career.
