Not Luka Doncic: Cooper Flagg reveals who he considers the best player in the NBA right now

From NCAA sensation to future NBA standout, Cooper Flagg has experienced a whirlwind transformation over the past year. Despite not having signed with a team yet, the Dallas Mavericks now hold the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, putting them in prime position to land him. After the draft lottery, Flagg addressed the media and shared his thoughts on who he believes is the best player in the NBA right now. Surprisingly, it is not Luka Doncic.

With Cooper Flagg’s future being close to Dallas Mavericks, many expected him to name Luka Doncic as the NBA’s best player. Instead, Flagg surprised fans with his choice: “Best player in the NBA right now? Joker. I mean he does so much, he impacts winning in so many different ways.”

In a twist of fitting irony, Cooper’s playing style mirrors the player he chose. He brings an all-around impact to the court, standing out not only for his scoring but also for his vision and defensive presence. For that reason, Flagg’s game is usually compared to Nikola Jokic’s style.

Of course, it is not fair to compare a seasoned veteran to a young prospect. However, Cooper keeps evolving, and his growth could soon reflect the kind of dominance Jokic brings every night.

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket during the first quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the LA Clippers

The 2025 NBA MVP race is heating up as top contenders close the gap

As the 2025 NBA season heats up, the MVP race is reaching a boiling point. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic have emerged as the frontrunners, each making a strong case for the league’s most prestigious individual honor. Both stars have left Luka Doncic far away from the debate this 2024-25 season. Adding to the drama, their teams are currently locked in a hard-fought series with a trip to the Conference Finals on the line.

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This high-stakes matchup could play a key role in swaying voters. Through the conference semifinals, Gilgeous-Alexander has posted 28.8 points per game for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jokic, leading the Denver Nuggets, has averaged 29.8 points.

Despite, the Serbian star holding a slight edge statistically, it is not dominant enough to declare a clear winner. The razor-thin margin only underscores how tough this decision will be.

Cooper Flagg’s reported thoughts on possibly joining the Dallas Mavericks

Although many did not like the idea that Cooper Flagg could join the Dallas Mavericks, Nico Harrison’s project has the perfect space for the young star to develop. Poor results this season, coupled with the departure of cornerstone Luka Doncic, mean Cooper has the option to power to the top in the franchise.

After Cooper’s reaction in the NBA Draft Lottery, many claimed that he was not at all happy with this possibility. However, new rumors have reportedly debunked this information.“…his camp realized how fortunate he is to land in Dallas. Flagg is said to be thrilled by the idea of joining a playoff-caliber roster with strong veterans and a team that has a void at the small forward position,” reported ESPN.

If the move goes through, Cooper could enter his rookie NBA season with a valuable opportunity to grow alongside seasoned veterans like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. Their experience might play a key role in his development. As the team’s only rising young talent, he would likely have a strong chance to earn meaningful minutes. Still, whether this potential fit ends up working in his favor remains to be seen.