Dallas Mavericks Make History by Selecting Cooper Flagg First Overall

The Dallas Mavericks have officially embarked on a new chapter, selecting 18-year-old Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft.

Flagg, a standout during his single season with the Duke Blue Devils, captured attention as the consensus college player of the year. His impressive stats—averaging 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds—earned him the prestigious Wooden Award, making him only the fourth freshman to achieve this honor while leading Duke to the Final Four.

Standing at 6-foot-8, Flagg dominated in all major statistical categories for the Blue Devils. His performance last summer at the U.S. Olympic team's training camp showcased his readiness for professional competition.

Joining a roster brimming with talent, Flagg will play alongside forward Anthony Davis and guard Kyrie Irving, who has recently signed a three-year contract with the Mavericks.

Wearing No. 32, Flagg will also team up with future Hall-of-Famer Klay Thompson, wing P.J. Washington, and centers Derrick Lively II and Daniel Gafford, who just secured a contract extension.

This selection marks a pivotal moment for Mavericks fans as they transition from the Luka Doncic era. Just months prior to the draft, the team made headlines by trading Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Davis, guard Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick.

The trade sparked protests outside the American Airlines Center, with fans demanding accountability from general manager Nico Harrison.

A series of injuries to key players—including Davis, Irving, Lively, and Gafford—contributed to the Mavericks' disappointing exit from the NBA Play-In Tournament, following their previous appearance in the NBA Finals.

However, optimism surged on May 12 when the Mavericks defied odds with a mere 1.8% chance of winning the NBA Draft Lottery, ultimately securing the opportunity to select Flagg.