Flagg Big Leap: Mavericks Go All-In on 18-Year-Old Phenom with No.1 Pick in NBA Draft

Teen sensation Cooper Flagg becomes Dallas Mavericks’ first top pick in over four decades as NBA Draft sees youth take center stage

The NBA has a new face of the future, and his name is Cooper Flagg.

In a night filled with buzz, bold moves, and breakout dreams, the Dallas Mavericks shocked no one but thrilled everyone by selecting the 18-year-old Flagg with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The selection instantly sets the tone for a franchise looking to build a new chapter — and possibly a new dynasty — around the supremely gifted teenager from Duke.

Flagg, standing at 6’9″ and capable of playing both shooting guard and small forward, is already drawing comparisons to some of the most complete prospects the NBA has seen in recent memory. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ has placed him firmly in the conversation as a generational talent. And while those comparisons may sound lofty, Flagg’s résumé already backs them up.

A Historic Pick for Dallas

Cooper Flagg taken by the Dallas Mavericks with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft

The Mavericks haven’t held the number one overall pick since 1981 — a full 44 years ago — when they took Mark Aguirre, who would go on to become a franchise cornerstone. This time, Dallas got lucky in the 2025 draft lottery, winning the top spot despite having just a 1.8% chance after finishing 10th in the Western Conference.

And with that unlikely twist of fate, the Mavericks landed a player who could change the course of their future.

“I’m feeling amazing. It’s a dream come true,” Flagg said after hearing his name called. There was no bravado in his voice, just the genuine awe of a kid who grew up idolizing the league and now gets to be part of it. The gravity of the moment wasn’t lost on anyone — not on Flagg, not on Dallas’ front office, and certainly not on fans who know exactly what this pick could mean.

Flagg’s Record-Breaking Rise

Flagg is only the second-youngest player in history to be selected with the first overall pick, at 18 years and 186 days — just eight days older than LeBron James when he was taken by the Cavaliers in 2003.

But unlike many prospects his age, Flagg comes with both the hype and the production. His lone season at Duke University was nothing short of spectacular. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four of the NCAA tournament. For his efforts, he was awarded the Wooden Award, given to the top college basketball player in the country, and was also named ACC Rookie of the Year.

Scouts have been raving not just about his numbers but his poise, maturity, and court vision. Flagg doesn’t just play the game — he reads it, manipulates it, and often dominates it.

Harper and Edgecombe Highlight Top Three Picks

Behind Flagg, another blue-chip guard followed.

The San Antonio Spurs selected Dylan Harper with the second overall pick, a 19-year-old with a storied basketball pedigree. The son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, and younger brother of Detroit Pistons’ Ron Harper Jr, Dylan has carved his own path as a powerful and creative guard.

“I’m feeling everything — all the emotions in one bucket,” Harper admitted in a post-draft interview. “They’ve got a great young core over there. I’m just ready to get in and make an impact any way I can.”

With Harper joining a Spurs team already featuring French star Victor Wembanyama, the franchise suddenly boasts one of the most exciting young duos in the league.

At No. 3, the Philadelphia 76ers went international with the selection of VJ Edgecombe, a Bahamas-born standout who made a name for himself at Baylor University. The Big 12 Freshman of the Year averaged 15 points and 5.6 rebounds, showcasing a balanced game and polished offensive instincts. The Sixers, in need of future backcourt depth, may have found their next star in Edgecombe.

Other Notable Picks: Knueppel to Charlotte

The Charlotte Hornets, selecting fourth overall, chose sharpshooting guard Kon Knueppel — a rising talent known for his off-the-dribble scoring and perimeter accuracy. Though not as hyped as Flagg or Harper, Knueppel has flown up draft boards in recent months after a strong tournament showing and pre-draft workouts that impressed scouts with his basketball IQ and work ethic.

Knueppel’s game isn’t flashy, but it’s effective. For a rebuilding Hornets team looking to find identity and efficiency, he could be an ideal fit.

What’s Next for Flagg and Dallas?

With Luka Dončić firmly established as the Mavericks’ face of the franchise, the addition of Cooper Flagg opens up fascinating possibilities. The pairing of Flagg’s two-way versatility with Dončić’s ball dominance could be the beginning of a new era in Dallas.

Flagg will also have the benefit of learning alongside veteran stars and under the guidance of a front office that has shown it can win — the Mavs made the 2024 Western Conference Finals just a year ago. But now, with Flagg in the fold, the long-term vision becomes even brighter.

Don’t be surprised if Flagg starts making waves early. His game may take time to adjust to NBA speed, but his mindset suggests he’s ready.

The Next Generation Has Arrived

The 2025 NBA Draft was, if anything, a celebration of youth and talent. Flagg, Harper, Edgecombe, and Knueppel all represent different styles and backgrounds, but share the same hunger to make it at the highest level.

And while only time will tell who among them becomes the next superstar, one thing is clear — the NBA’s future is in good hands.

For Cooper Flagg, that future begins now. And for the Dallas Mavericks, the wait for another No.1 pick might just have been worth it.