“I’m Just Ready to Be a Sponge”: Cooper Flagg Speaks on Being Dallas Mavericks’ No. 1 Pick, Expectations, and What Comes Next

Grant AfsethJune 26, 2025no comment

Duke Athletics

Cooper Flagg had waited for this moment for years, but when his name was finally called as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, it still didn’t feel real.

“I don’t think it’s set in yet. It feels surreal,” Flagg said moments after walking across the stage and shaking Commissioner Adam Silver’s hand. “I’m just playing the moments back in my head — standing up, hearing my name — and it went so fast. It feels like a blur. But I just feel really blessed and honored just to be here.”

The 18-year-old forward out of Duke now becomes the centerpiece of a retooling Dallas Mavericks team that landed the top pick despite just a 1.8% chance. Flagg is coming off a dominant freshman campaign in which he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game on 48.1% shooting from the field and 38.5% from deep. He led Duke to the Final Four and became just the second freshman in school history — along with Zion Williamson — to sweep the National Player of the Year awards.

He also made history in the ACC, winning both Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors, setting the league’s freshman single-game scoring record with 42 points against Notre Dame, and becoming only the second freshman in the past 25 years to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks (joining Ben Simmons).

“We’re just super excited,” general manager Nico Harrison said. “Being able to get Cooper — it’s a generational talent. Top to bottom, we’re thrilled.”

Cooper Flagg: “I Feel Blessed for the Way It All Worked Out”

In the wake of Luka Dončić’s trade to the Lakers earlier this year, wild speculation swirled online that the Mavericks’ lottery luck was part of a larger NBA conspiracy. Flagg didn’t entertain it.

“I don’t know what to say about that,” he said when asked directly. “I have no insider information, if that’s what you’re looking for. But I just feel blessed for the way it all worked out.”

Harrison echoed that surprise, admitting his front office had been preparing to pick in the 11th slot before the lottery.

“I was extremely surprised,” Harrison said. “All my draft prep up to that point was us being in the 11th position. But fortune favors the brave. Exciting things fell our way.”

Cooper Flagg is Ready to Learn from Hall of Famers

Flagg enters a rare situation for a No. 1 pick — joining a team with All-Star veterans and postseason expectations. With Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and PJ Washington anchoring the core, Flagg said he plans to approach it with humility and hunger.

“I’m really excited,” he said. “I think I keep saying I’m excited to be a sponge — to get down there and just learn, be surrounded by Hall of Fame-caliber guys, and grow my game as much as I can. It’s going to be an incredible experience.”

That learning process has already started. Flagg spoke briefly with Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd after being drafted and came away encouraged.

“He has a good vision for me and what I can do and how I can impact the game,” Flagg said. “So I’m excited to just talk to him more.”

Asked if Kidd had offered assurances about his job status amid outside speculation, Flagg said he hadn’t had those conversations, but Harrison shut down the rumors directly: “Yes, he will be the coach next season.”

Nico Harrison on Cooper Flagg: “He Makes Winning Plays”

The Mavericks are adamant that Flagg’s development will happen on his terms, not the franchise’s timeline.

“I think it’s awesome that somebody gets to develop on their own time, whatever that is,” Harrison said. “We’ll be able to win when he’s having good games and also win when he’s not having his best.”

Harrison described Flagg as a rare, efficient young scorer who already understands how to make others better.

“He plays on both sides of the ball. He can fit into any style of play. He guards multiple positions. Great playmaker,” Harrison said. “Most young scorers, especially coming straight from high school, are super inefficient. He’s super efficient — he makes winning plays.”

That efficiency and mentality made Flagg the clear choice for Dallas.

“His coach said, ‘When I can coach my best player hard, it makes it easier to coach everybody else.’ His teammates said he’s the most competitive person they’ve ever been around,” Harrison said. “When people talk about a player and it’s all intangibles—not basketball—that tells you everything.”

Flagg, for his part, said the foundation of his mentality is simple: “My mindset has always been to be a winner, so I’m going to try to win as hard as I can everywhere I go. I’m looking forward to being successful and winning a lot of games, for sure.”

Asked whether he could become the second No. 1 pick to win a title in his rookie year, Flagg didn’t hesitate.

“Of course,” he said.

Inspired by Maine, Grounded by Family

Beyond the basketball, Flagg’s rise has become a point of pride for his home state. From local draft parties to statewide media coverage, he’s embraced the idea of representing Maine on a national stage.

“It means a lot to me to have the support of the whole state,” Flagg said. “I know how many people showed up today and supported me at some of the draft parties back home. It feels amazing knowing I can inspire younger kids.”

“I was in their shoes really not that long ago, so just to know I can give those kids those feelings and have the whole state behind me — it means a lot,” he added.

Despite the fame and endorsements, Flagg said he’s never been motivated by flashy purchases.

“I don’t think I ever had a taste for expensive things or thought, oh, I’m going to buy this or that when I get older,” he said. “I don’t really have an answer for that.”

Cooper Flagg Remains Focused on the Work

Since the end of Duke’s season, Flagg has remained locked in on preparation. He said he took some time off to recover but quickly returned to workouts with his longtime trainer, Matt MacKenzie, who’s been with him since fourth grade.

“I’ve been in the gym,” he said. “I went through the whole pre-draft process with a group out in L.A. for CAA. I was in a group working out every day, pushing the other guys, the other guys pushing me — just trying to get better in a lot of different areas.”

Flagg has long been considered one of the most polished and decorated U.S. prospects of the past decade. He starred for Team USA at the 2022 FIBA Under-17 World Cup, averaging 9.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, and 2.4 steals en route to a gold medal and All-Tournament Team selection. He was also named to the USA Select Team ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Harrison said the Mavericks will lean into pace and ball movement next season, which aligns well with Flagg’s skill set.

“You’ll see us playing a faster pace — a lot of passes, a lot of movement, the ball finding the hot hand,” Harrison said. “We have multiple guys who can handle the ball and initiate.”

One of the most emotional moments for Flagg on draft night had nothing to do with his own selection — it came when his former roommate, Kon Knueppel, was picked in the top five.

“I heard the announcement while I was doing the interview out there, and I had to stand up and just clap for him,” Flagg said. “Nobody deserves it more than Kon. That was my roommate last year, so just to be able to have this moment with him, both of us in the top five, it feels incredible.”

“I know how much hard work he puts in. I know how dedicated he is. Just super happy for him and his family.”

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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