Cooper Flagg Drafted First Overall by Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks have selected rookie sensation Cooper Flagg with the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-9 player from Maine has been considered the top prospect of his draft class, known for his versatile two-way skills and mature game beyond his years. He joins a Mavericks team that aligns well with his skill set, ready to contribute immediately from day one.

Flagg enters the league with a comprehensive skill set that includes scoring ability, defensive instincts, elite athleticism, and advanced court vision. His rebounding from the wing and adaptability make him an asset for head coach Jason Kidd’s system. During his single season at Duke, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 three-pointers, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, shooting efficiently across the board with 48% field goal, 39% three-point, and 84% free-throw percentages. His all-around production was remarkable for an 18-year-old rookie.

He’s Expected to Make an Immediate Impact

Historically, only a few No. 1 overall picks—Victor Wembanyama, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Deandre Ayton—have finished inside the top 100 in fantasy rankings as rookies. Projecting Flagg’s trajectory, he’s expected to be a top-60 fantasy player right away, with potential for more. His defensive skills and increased playing time due to Kyrie Irving’s early-season absence could further elevate his role and fantasy value.

Draft Strategy for Flagg

The Mavericks plan to give Flagg significant court time, with projections of over 30 minutes per game. He is expected to score at least 34 fantasy points per game across various formats. While he may not replicate his Duke usage rate of 30%, his relatively low turnover rate of 16.3% signals efficiency, and his three-point shooting improved considerably towards the end of his college season, hitting 44% from beyond the arc in the final 18 games.

Flagg is projected to be a valuable multi-category contributor, eligible at small forward and power forward. Although rookies are often drafted later, Flagg’s scoring, usage, and potential make him a compelling early target—likely to be drafted in the third or fourth round during the preseason.