Cooper Flagg Primed for Top Pick by Dallas Mavericks in 2025 NBA Draft

For nearly two years, anticipation has built around Cooper Flagg as the potential top selection in the NBA draft. That expectation is set to materialize as the Dallas Mavericks are poised to draft the former Duke university standout first overall on Wednesday. The primary focus during this draft week shifts from the certainty of Flagg’s selection to the specific attributes the Mavericks will gain from acquiring one of the moast compelling prospects in recent memory.

Evaluations and Expert Opinions on Cooper Flagg

Brian Scalabrine, an 11-year NBA veteran who has trained with Flagg as his early teens, draws parallels to elite players. “he trends like LeBron James,” Scalabrine stated, emphasizing Flagg’s exceptional understanding of the game.”LeBron has a beautiful mind when it comes to this game. Cooper’s brain is right on par with those guys. They just process the game differently.”

Jamahl Mosley, head coach of the Orlando Magic and flagg’s coach on the USA Select Team, highlights Flagg’s potential to elevate his teammates. “I really think he’s going to be one of those guys who makes people around him better,” Mosley noted. “People might get caught up in his numbers, but I think he’s going to be one of those pluses that’s always on the floor, all the while finding his range and his space.”

Did You Know? Cooper Flagg reclassified to the 2024 class, allowing him to graduate high school a year early and enter the 2025 NBA Draft sooner than initially anticipated.

Versatility: Flagg’s Defining Attribute

Grant Hill, managing director of USA Basketball, identifies versatility as Flagg’s most significant asset. “He can read the game and figure out what’s needed from him for his team to have success,” Hill told NBC News. “He assesses what’s happening in the game and has the talent and ability to provide what’s needed, and that’s unique particularly for someone so young.”

Flagg, now 18, spent his formative years in Newport, Maine, before transferring to Montverde academy in Florida for his final two high school years. Montverde Academy is renowned for its basketball program, consistently producing top-tier talent. According to MaxPreps, Montverde has been ranked as the #1 high school basketball team in the nation multiple times in the past decade. MaxPreps

cooper Flagg’s Collegiate Performance and Team USA experience

During his time at Duke, Flagg spearheaded the Blue Devils’ journey to their first Final Four appearance in three years, averaging an impressive 21 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game throughout the NCAA Tournament.

However, his standout performance arguably occurred the previous summer, even before his inaugural college game. Flagg was selected to assist Team USA in preparing for the Paris Olympics,engaging in scrimmages against NBA icons such as LeBron James and Stephen Curry as part of the Select Team.

Hill, a Duke alumnus, initially recognized flagg’s potential while observing his high school games. Noticing Flagg’s relentless drive and competitive spirit, Hill considered him for the Select Team upon recommendation from USA Basketball scouts.

“Let’s bring him in and see how he does,” Hill said,explaining the rationale behind Flagg’s invitation to the pre-Paris camp. “He might potentially be one of those names in 2027 that might be under consideration for the World Cup team or down the road. We weren’t totally sure how he would do or how he would adjust. He made us look really good.”

Mosley, Flagg’s coach at the camp, was impressed by the then-17-year-old’s inquisitive nature. Mosley emphasized flagg’s dedication to every aspect of practice, recalling a specific defensive drill where Flagg sought additional insights from Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs.

“He was just asking a ton of questions. Defensively, that stood out,” Mosley said, adding that he believes Flagg will be a better defender in the NBA than people expect. “Offensively, he was always trying to make the right play at the right time. You could see how his brain was clicking on making different reads based on where people were on the floor.”

Footage of Flagg’s performance quickly gained traction online. He executed pick-and-rolls with Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum defending him. He drove to the basket against James. He hit a turnaround fadeaway over Celtics guard Jrue Holiday and a pull-up 3-pointer against Mavericks big man Anthony Davis.

Even before his first college game, Flagg appeared comfortable competing against the NBA’s elite.

Mosley highlighted flagg’s “fearlessness to not worry about the name on the jersey and just recognize he’s a good enough basketball player to be on the floor with these guys.”

Hill added, “He didn’t back down. he felt like he belonged. he showed everybody why there had been so much talk about him. Everybody who was there in the gym – including those that were on the court- I think they walked away with a lot of respect for him and his game.”

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Flagg’s development in the NBA G League. Many top prospects use this as a stepping stone to refine their skills before entering the league.

NBA Expectations for Cooper Flagg

Flagg has thrived in every basketball environment he has encountered. Now, he is poised to enter the NBA, bringing his versatility and decision-making skills to a Mavericks team that needs his specific skill set on the wing. The Dallas Mavericks finished the 2023-2024 season with a record of 50-32,showcasing their need for additional talent to contend for a championship. NBA Standings

“I think what he’s demonstrated is, even with all the accolades and all the attention, that his desire to work and get better and improve is through the roof,” Hill said. “What you’ll see in the first month, the first year, is only the beginning of what his potential is.”

Cooper Flagg’s Key Stats and Attributes

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