Cooper Flagg Is Already Making the Mavericks’ Gamble Look Like a Franchise-Saving Move
When the Dallas Mavericks pulled the trigger on trading Luka Dončić, the reaction was swift and brutal. Fans and analysts alike questioned whether the franchise had just made one of the most lopsided deals in NBA history. But that narrative started to shift the moment Dallas won the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft - and used it to select Cooper Flagg.
Now, less than a full season into his rookie campaign, Flagg is doing more than just living up to the hype. He’s validating the Mavericks’ bold decision and giving the franchise the kind of cornerstone every team dreams of building around.
In a recent re-draft of the 2025 class, Cooper Flagg still goes No. 1 overall - no surprise there. The reasoning?
He’s already playing like a franchise player. He’s not just putting up numbers; he’s impacting winning.
And for a team that desperately needed direction post-Dončić, Flagg is providing it.
A Rookie Playing Beyond His Years
Flagg came into the league with sky-high expectations after a dominant season at Duke, where he was the consensus top prospect and earned national player of the year honors. But even with all that buildup, his transition to the NBA has been remarkably smooth.
Through his first stretch of games, the 19-year-old is averaging 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists per night while shooting a strong 48% from the field. Those are impressive stats for any player - but for a teenager adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NBA? That’s rare air.
What’s even more impressive is how complete his game already looks. Flagg isn’t just scoring - he’s defending at a high level, making smart reads, and setting the tone with his competitiveness. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t just fill up a box score; he raises the floor and ceiling of everyone around him.
The Defensive Anchor Dallas Needed
Flagg’s defensive impact has been immediate. He’s already showing the instincts, timing, and versatility that made scouts fall in love with him during his college days. Whether he’s switching onto guards, contesting shots at the rim, or reading passing lanes, Flagg brings a level of defensive awareness that’s rare for a rookie.
He’s not just a good defender - he’s the kind of player who can anchor a defense. That’s something Dallas has sorely lacked in recent years, and it’s one of the biggest reasons Flagg has been such a game-changer early on.
More Than Just Stats - A Franchise Identity
Beyond the numbers and the highlights, what Flagg brings to Dallas is identity. The Mavericks have been in flux - from front office changes to roster shuffles, the team’s foundation has been anything but stable. Flagg changes that.
He gives the Mavericks a clear direction. His game, maturity, and competitive fire provide the franchise with a new face to build around - one that fits the modern NBA and brings a winning mindset.
Stability paired with a rising star? That’s how long-term contenders are built.
Rookie of the Year Race Heating Up
Flagg’s rookie season has been so strong that he’s firmly in the mix for Rookie of the Year honors. He’s not running away with it - Kon Knueppel has been making his own case - but Flagg is right there in the conversation. And regardless of how that race shakes out, what matters most is that Flagg has already proven himself worthy of the No. 1 pick.
A Re-Draft That Confirms What Dallas Already Knew
In hindsight, the Mavericks’ selection of Flagg looks like a no-brainer. And in a re-draft where teams are re-evaluating their decisions, Flagg still goes first overall - because he’s earned it. He’s not just the best player from his class so far; he’s the one with the clearest path to long-term stardom.
Dallas needed a new foundation. They needed a player who could lead, compete, and grow into a superstar. In Cooper Flagg, they found exactly that.
The Luka trade may never sit easy with some fans. But if Flagg keeps trending the way he is, it won’t just be remembered as a bold move - it might go down as the turning point that saved the Mavericks’ future.