Dallas Mavericks Secure No. 1 Pick in NBA Draft
It’s been one week since the Dallas Mavericks shook up the NBA landscape — for the second time in nearly four months — by securing the No. 1 pick in next month’s draft.
It’s presumable Cooper Flagg will be the first name Adam Silver calls June 25 and will be wearing a Mavericks hat during his obligatory photo with the longtime NBA commissioner.
The prospect of adding Flagg brings excitement to a distraught fanbase and hope for a new two-pronged timeline that helps the Mavericks in both the present and future.
Who is Cooper Flagg?
“We love that kid from Duke,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said Monday on the DLLS Mavs podcast.
The first step toward a successful offseason would be the selection of Flagg, the multidimensional 18-year-old who could become one of the faces of the NBA. Flagg is coming off his lone season at Duke, where he became the 2025 Naismith Player of the Year, and will enter the league with a versatile two-way skillset that aligns perfectly with Dallas’ new defensive philosophy.
Impact on the Mavericks’ Offseason Plan
Kidd said during his 17-minute interview that the process of getting to know Flagg and his family could start as soon as “the coming week” when the Mavericks host the consensus top pick for a visit in Dallas.
But how does inserting Flagg into the lineup change the veteran-heavy Mavericks and their offseason plan?
Before the winning pingpong ball combination was revealed, a legitimate question was whether Dallas could address its needs for a primary playmaker and an additional two-way wing this offseason while hovering around the first salary cap apron. With Flagg the most obvious choice for the No. 1 selection, one draft pick could solve the latter.
Replacing Kyrie Irving
That leaves finding a replacement point guard through free agency or a trade to fill the void left by Kyrie Irving, who is expected to miss a significant portion of next season to rehab a torn left ACL. He also has a player option he could exercise this offseason.
Does the addition of Flagg make Irving’s decision to opt into the 2025-26 season an easier choice? Maybe, maybe not. What it does ensure is Irving would return to a team that will be better than the one Memphis eliminated in the second game of the play-in tournament.
Flagg’s Versatility
“We have the No. 1 pick, and if we go after the young man from Duke, it gives us a lot of options because he can play multiple positions,” Kidd said. “You can have a jumbo lineup out there where you’re extremely big. And you also can go small. As a coach, but also as a Mavs fan, this is an exciting time.”
Flagg, who registered at 6-7 ¾ at last week’s NBA combine, played power forward at Duke, but Kidd suggested he could play both forward spots, small-ball center and even shooting guard.
Next Steps for the Mavericks
A lineup of Irving (when healthy) Klay Thompson, Flagg, Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II could be the most ideal starting five by the time next season ends, but the Mavericks will be working backward while their star guard is sidelined. Kidd said Irving has been positive about his injury through their conversations.
Free agency begins July 1, which has become the unofficial start of another trade season. This period will be integral for Dallas’ goals of bringing in another primary initiator who can run the pick-and-roll with a bevy of bigs, find open shooters and create offense.
Conclusion
The addition of Cooper Flagg to the Dallas Mavericks brings excitement and hope for a new two-pronged timeline that helps the team in both the present and future. With Flagg’s versatility and the potential to fill the void left by Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks are poised for a successful offseason and a potential championship run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Cooper Flagg?
A: Cooper Flagg is a multidimensional 18-year-old who played at Duke and is expected to be the first overall pick in the NBA draft.
Q: How does Flagg’s addition affect the Mavericks’ offseason plan?
A: Flagg’s addition fills the need for a two-way wing and gives the Mavericks options for their lineup, allowing them to focus on finding a replacement point guard for Kyrie Irving.
Q: What is the timeline for Kyrie Irving’s return?
A: Irving is expected to miss a significant portion of next season to rehab a torn left ACL, but Kidd said he has been positive about his injury and could return early.
