Duke star Cooper Flagg was long seen as the prize of the 2025 NBA Draft. Now, he’s officially the new face of the Dallas Mavericks. The team pulled the trigger on what many called a no-brainer. But with Luka Doncic gone and Mark Cuban dreaming big, this story’s just getting started.
Flagg’s selection as the No. 1 overall pick felt inevitable from the moment the Mavericks somehow won the lottery with a 1.8% chance. But what follows may be anything but predictable.
From Lottery Miracle to Franchise Cornerstone
Dallas had every reason to celebrate on draft night. They weren’t supposed to be here. Just a few months ago, they were reeling from trading away their generational superstar, Luka Doncic, to the Lakers at the deadline—a move that had fans burning jerseys and booing GM Nico Harrison out of arenas.
The ping pong balls had different plans.
Flagg arrives in Dallas with hype that’s rare even for top picks. At Duke, he was a two-way monster—averaging nearly 20 points, 7.5 boards, 4.2 assists, and shooting almost 39% from deep. His stat line wasn’t padded either. He played every possession like it was March.
But this isn’t college anymore.
Mark Cuban Has a Vision—and It’s Wild
In typical Mark Cuban fashion, the Mavericks’ minority owner isn’t wasting time stirring the pot. He’s already pushing for Flagg to play point guard.
Yes, point guard.
Cuban told reporters he’s texted head coach Jason Kidd—repeatedly—about letting Flagg run the offense.
“I’d send a text to J-Kidd: point guard, point guard, point guard. Let him bring the ball up,” Cuban told reporters. “We’re going to have the biggest team in the NBA.”
This isn’t just locker room banter. Cuban seems serious.
It’s not unheard of for tall players to initiate offense. Magic Johnson, Penny Hardaway, even Luka himself played that hybrid-forward role. But an 18-year-old rookie taking the reins as floor general? That’s a whole other level of pressure.
Then again, Flagg isn’t your average teenager.
What Makes Flagg So Special?
Scouts called him “positionless” at Duke—but not in a vague, marketing way. He legitimately defended 1-through-5 and could switch on the fly.
Here’s what Flagg did in 2024-25:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 37 |
| Points per Game | 19.2 |
| Rebounds per Game | 7.5 |
| Assists per Game | 4.2 |
| Steals per Game | 1.4 |
| Blocks per Game | 1.4 |
| FG % | 48.1% |
| 3PT % | 38.5% |
He’s not a unicorn—he’s a Hydra. Every time you think you’ve figured him out, he shows something else.
Even at Duke, Flagg didn’t cling to one position. He shifted between forward spots, initiated offense when needed, and routinely guarded the other team’s best scorer. Coaches raved about his IQ. Opponents dreaded his help-side defense.
He’s loud on the court, quiet off it. And that’s maybe the scariest part—he doesn’t seem fazed.
What Does This Mean for the Mavericks?
Well, everything.
Dallas just pressed the reset button. After years of trying to build around Doncic, the Mavericks finally let go. That deal with the Lakers brought back draft capital, cap space, and role players—none of them stars.
Flagg changes that overnight.
But now comes the hard part: building around him without rushing the process. Cuban wants to go big—literally. Jason Kidd, meanwhile, might have other ideas. Flagg himself? He’s keeping things close to the chest.
Some fans are skeptical. Mavericks Twitter exploded with chants of “Fire Nico!” on draft night, even after the pick. It’s clear the trust isn’t fully rebuilt.
Others, though, are seeing something they haven’t in a while—hope.
Should Flagg Really Be a Point Guard?
That’s the million-dollar question.
• He’s got vision, no doubt
• He’s already an elite passer for his age
• His handle’s good—for a forward
But running an NBA offense is a grind. It’s not just bringing the ball up. It’s clock management, spacing, decision-making under pressure. It’s dealing with defensive traps from guys like Jrue Holiday and Marcus Smart.
Is Flagg ready for all that?
Some scouts think yes. Others believe it could stunt his growth. There’s an argument to be made that letting him play free at the 3 or 4 spot could actually help him flourish.
Even Jason Kidd himself hasn’t fully committed either way—telling media the team is “open to different ideas” and wants to “let the game decide.”
What’s Next for Dallas?
Free agency will be telling.
They’ve got cap room now. Veterans will be tempted to join Flagg if he shows early flashes. There’s also chatter around a potential Anthony Davis trade, though it’s just smoke—for now.
For now, all eyes stay on Flagg. Summer League is around the corner, and the hype is real. Fans want to see him with the ball in his hands. Scouts want to see if the vision translates.
And Cuban? He just wants him running the show.
The Mavericks rolled the dice with Luka. It didn’t end the way they hoped. But now, somehow, they’ve got another shot.
And this one feels different.
