Dallas Mavericks Expected to Select Duke’s Cooper Flagg First Overall in 2025 NBA Draft

Cooper Flagg is the consensus No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, expected to be selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks after they won the draft lottery. Flagg, a 6-foot-8 versatile forward from Duke and the 2025 National Player of the Year, has impressed scouts and analysts with his all-around skills, defensive versatility, and competitive mindset, drawing high praise including comparisons to NBA stars like Jayson Tatum and Victor Wembanyama. His Duke teammates Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach also received green room invitations and are projected as lottery picks, with Knueppel recognized as the best shooter in the draft class. Mavericks veteran Kyrie Irving has expressed excitement about Flagg joining the team, highlighting their existing connection and high expectations for the rookie's impact. Analysts emphasize Flagg's readiness to be a franchise cornerstone capable of immediate contributions on both ends of the floor, with a potentially high ceiling as a future All-NBA player. The draft will take place at Barclays Center on June 25, with Flagg's official pre-draft workout scheduled in Dallas on June 17.