The Dallas Mavericks secured the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft on June 25th. To prepare, they arranged a private workout with Duke freshman Cooper Flagg on June 17th, as reported by ESPN. Standing 6-foot-9, Flagg is widely anticipated to be the top pick in the upcoming draft, and this workout strengthens the likelihood of the Mavericks selecting him. The team has no plans for private sessions with other prospects aside from Flagg.
The strategy isn’t just about the Mavericks picking Flagg at No. 1; they might trade that pick to acquire valuable assets, possibly involving Anthony Davis and the recovery of Kyrie Irving, who is rehabbing from an ACL tear suffered in March. According to ESPN, both public and private signals suggest the Mavericks intend to keep the pick to secure Flagg, leveraging his defensive skills, which were a key factor in their dealings with the Lakers. Flagg himself is seen as a strong asset due to his winning potential.
Flagg’s offensive abilities are impressive, having averaged 19.2 points and 4.2 assists per game in his freshman year at Duke. However, his defense stands out the most—he averaged 1.4 blocks, 1.4 steals, and 6.2 defensive rebounds per game. The main concern entering the 2024-2025 NCAA season is whether his offensive skills will continue to develop at the same pace as his defensive prowess. Flagg earned accolades following a standout performance that included a trip to Duke’s Final Four.
The Mavericks had only a 1.8% chance of securing the top draft pick, especially as they endured a difficult period after trading Luka Doncic. Despite the low odds, they emerged victorious in the NBA Draft Lottery, giving them the opportunity to make a major impact with this pick.
Fan Take: This development is huge for basketball fans as it signals the rise of a defensive powerhouse in Cooper Flagg, who could reshape the game with his athleticism and skill. The Mavericks’ strategic moves also suggest a thrilling rebuilding phase, blending youth with experienced stars, which could redefine the NBA landscape in the coming years.
