Dallas Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg Expected To Become Team's Best Player

The Dallas Mavericks are entering the 2025-26 NBA season with a new identity centered around youth, athleticism, and defensive versatility, highlighted by their No. 1 overall pick, rookie forward Cooper Flagg. Flagg, who played one season at Duke, is widely regarded as a potential generational talent with a high ceiling in both offense and defense, and is expected to quickly become a key player for the team. Analysts predict that within three years, Flagg could surpass veterans like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving to become the Mavericks' top player, benefiting from mentorship by future Hall-of-Famers and the coaching of Jason Kidd, known for developing young stars. The Mavericks' roster now features a dominant frontcourt with Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II, complemented by versatile wings like Flagg, P.J. Washington, and Caleb Martin, enabling a switch-heavy defensive scheme and an exciting style of play. Flagg's rookie season is anticipated to be impactful, as he is expected to start and contribute as a two-way player with improving scoring, passing, and defensive skills. With Kidd's tutelage and the team's revamped core, the Mavericks could be poised for a promising future built around Flagg's development and the team's new athletic and tenacious identity.