Dallas Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg Leads NBA Rookie of Year Race

Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is generating significant attention as he prepares to debut with the Dallas Mavericks. Praised by six-time All-Star Blake Griffin as possibly the most complete rookie in recent memory, Flagg's all-around game includes scoring, passing, defense, and rebounding, drawing comparisons to stars like Victor Wembanyama. Despite some criticism from former NBA player Rashad McCants, who claims rookies today are overhyped and underdeveloped, Flagg has demonstrated strong growth, leadership, and record-setting performances at Duke University. He is also the early favorite to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award, receiving overwhelming support from ESPN analysts and oddsmakers, thanks to his fit on a playoff-contending Mavericks team led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The Mavericks and their management express confidence in head coach Jason Kidd's plan to gradually integrate Flagg into the NBA. Flagg's highly anticipated debut marks a rare event where two top draft picks—Flagg and Dylan Harper—will face off in their first regular-season game, a scenario not seen since 2015.