Mavericks Aim for Glory: Cooper Flagg Set to be No. 1 NBA Draft Pick!

Casselberry, USA - The stage is set for an exciting night in basketball as the 2025 NBA Draft approaches. With the Dallas Mavericks holding the coveted No. 1 pick, all eyes are on Cooper Flagg, the standout from Duke who is poised to become the top selection. This year’s draft, scheduled for June 25 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, promises a lineup of extraordinary talent, including Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. Sports Yahoo reports that Flagg, averaging an impressive 19.4 points along with 7.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game, has captured the attention of scouts and analysts alike.

Flagg’s accolades do not end there. He was named the Naismith National Player of the Year and led Duke to a Final Four berth in his freshman year. The accolades are certainly impressive—Flagg shot 39% from beyond the arc and even earned $28 million in NIL earnings during his time at Duke, showcasing his potential as a marketable athlete. His family background adds an interesting twist; both parents were involved in basketball, and his twin brother, Ace, is following closely in his footsteps. NBA.com highlights that Flagg’s versatility on the court can be likened to a chess queen, a fitting analogy given his skills and intelligence in the game.

The Contenders

While Flagg is set to take center stage, he certainly isn’t alone in the spotlight. Dylan Harper, projected as the second overall pick, averaged 19.4 points per game during his season at Rutgers, showcasing his appeal to the San Antonio Spurs at No. 2. CBS Sports reports that Harper’s friend and fellow prospect, Ace Bailey, who scored 17.6 points per game and grabbed 7.2 rebounds, may face a sliding draft stock after canceling team visits and workouts. Currently, Bailey is projected to land with the New Orleans Pelicans at No. 7, but the uncertainty raises questions about his trajectory come draft night.

Among other prospects worth mentioning are international talents such as Joan Beringer, Noa Essengue, and Hugo González, adding a global flair to the draft. Notably, the Brooklyn Nets hold multiple first-round picks—up to four—providing them with ample opportunity to reshape their roster as they enter the Draft.

Draft Dynamics

This NBA Draft isn’t without its quirks. Remarkably, the second round will only feature 29 selections instead of the usual 30, as the New York Knicks have forfeited their No. 56 overall pick due to tampering issues with Jalen Brunson. This misstep could have ripple effects throughout the draft, affecting how teams evaluate their second-round strategies.

As the excitement builds, fans and analysts alike are keen to see how the draft unfolds. With Cooper Flagg highly anticipated to be the first overall pick, his journey is just beginning. And as the Mavericks prepare to make their selection, the basketball world will be watching closely to see if this young star can fulfill the lofty expectations that come with such a prestigious honor.