The Dallas Mavericks are gearing up for a deep postseason run after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign in which they missed the playoffs.
Following the trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and a lackluster finish to the 2024-25 season, the Mavericks lucked out in the NBA Draft lottery, securing the No. 1 overall pick and selecting Duke standout Cooper Flagg. The 18-year-old is one of the most impressive prospects in recent memory and became just the fourth freshman in NCAA men’s history to win the Naismith College Player of the Year award.
Now, he is set to join a stacked Mavericks roster alongside Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and Dereck Lively.
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The Newport, Maine, native grew up a Boston Celtics fan. With the NBA releasing its [schedule for the 2025-26 campaign](https://www.nba.com/schedule/mavericks?cal=all&pd=false®ion=1), it was revealed that Flagg and the Mavericks will face the Celtics twice in the final two-plus months of the regular season.
The Mavericks will get their first look at the Celtics on Feb. 3 at home, with their second matchup scheduled for March 6 at TD Garden.
The 6-foot-8 forward is expected to assume a substantial role for Dallas immediately, following his impressive season at Duke. Flagg helped lead the Blue Devils to a 35-4 record in 2024-25, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals per game across 37 appearances. He also shot 48.1 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from beyond the arc.
With Flagg joining a star-studded Mavericks lineup, all eyes will be on whether the 18-year-old can help Dallas reclaim its place among the NBA elite.
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