Mavericks Draft Flagg First Overall, Begin New Era

Cooper Flagg, an 18-year-old standout freshman from Duke, was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, becoming the first white American player to go first overall since 1977 and the youngest top pick since LeBron James in 2003. Flagg averaged 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds at Duke and is expected to start immediately for Dallas, which is rebuilding after trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. Flagg has addressed Mavericks fans directly with a message of excitement and humility. He is set to make his NBA debut at the Summer League in Las Vegas in July 2025. Despite conspiracy theories suggesting the draft was manipulated in Dallas's favor, there is no supporting evidence. Early projections indicate that Flagg could earn up to $930 million in his career, fueling high hopes for the Mavericks' new era.