The Dallas Mavericks' decision to select Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft didn't come as a surprise. He was already considered the consensus top pick even before he started his collegiate career, and he only further separated himself from the rest of the class in his lone season at Duke.
In 37 games with Duke in the 2024-25 season, the 18-year-old Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks. He helped lead the Blue Devils to the Final Four, putting up 21.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.0 blocks during the NCAA Tournament.
While Cooper Flagg's shooting and ball-handling leave much to be desired, he's expected to make an immediate impact on the Mavericks on both ends of the floor.
However, the youngster's skills and physical tools are not the only things that make him a good fit for the Mavericks. According to his mother, Kelly Flagg, his mentality and attitude also align well with Dallas.
Kelly Flagg, mother of Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (not pictured), watches as he speaks during a press conference after winning the Oscar Robertson Player of the Year award.
Kelly Flagg, mother of Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg opens up about her son's personal goals.
Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
In a recent interview they did in partnership with Chime, Cooper Flagg and Kelly Flagg talked about the Mavericks' desire to win a championship immediately, which bodes well for the so-called "Maine Event" himself. As Kelly Flagg noted, her son doesn't like losing.
"Something that I'm most excited about being a Dallas Maverick would be going to an organization that, I think, is in a mode that is ready to win," Cooper Flagg stated. "Kind of looking forward to that of being a team that can be competitive and have a lot of really good pieces and really good players I can learn from."
His mom then chimed in, saying, "They want to win a championship as much as you do, and you're not a good loser, and that's a win for us."
It remains to be seen how much of an impact Cooper Flagg will make in his first year with the Mavericks, but his latest take and his mom's remarks should certainly raise hopes that he will be a big difference-maker for Dallas.
For what it's worth, prior to the NBA Draft, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James took note of Cooper Flagg's ability and expressed his belief that the former Duke standout "wants to be great."