DALLAS (Diya TV) — The Dallas Mavericks made a bold move Wednesday night, selecting Duke forward Cooper Flagg as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The 18-year-old phenom has long been projected as the top pick and now becomes the centerpiece of Dallas’ future.
Flagg, a 6-foot-9 native of Maine, took a unique path to the draft. He reclassified to the high school class of 2024 two years ago, putting him on an accelerated timeline to enter the NBA. After one standout season at Duke, he now heads to a Mavericks team that stunned the league by winning the draft lottery in May with just a 1.8% chance of landing the top pick.
During his lone college season, Flagg led Duke to a Final Four appearance. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 37 games, quickly becoming a fan favorite and a reliable leader for the Blue Devils. His all-around game and fierce competitiveness drew comparisons to NBA legends, making him the obvious choice for Dallas.
Flagg’s ability to score, rebound, and defend gives the Mavericks a high-upside player to develop alongside stars like Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. His arrival signals a youth movement for a team that has championship aspirations.
Rutgers guard Dylan Harper went second overall to the San Antonio Spurs. Harper, known for his elite scoring and quick first step, will join 2023 No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama in a budding young core.
The Philadelphia 76ers followed by selecting Baylor wing V.J. Edgecombe at No. 3. The Bahamas native impressed scouts with his athleticism and two-way potential. His versatility on both ends of the court makes him a valuable addition to the Sixers’ lineup.
At No. 4, the Charlotte Hornets selected Kon Knueppel, another Duke standout and Flagg’s teammate. Knueppel is a strong shooter and smart passer who could help balance Charlotte’s offense.
The Utah Jazz made the first unexpected move of the night by drafting Rutgers forward Ace Bailey with the fifth overall pick. Bailey didn’t hold workouts for any team ahead of the draft, leaving many unsure where he would land. Utah took the gamble, hoping his raw talent and athleticism would develop into a long-term payoff.
The biggest surprise came at pick No. 16. The Portland Trail Blazers selected Yang Hansen, a 20-year-old center from China. Hansen was widely projected as a second-round prospect, but the Blazers made a bold decision to take him much earlier. The move raised eyebrows across the league and sparked conversations about international scouting.
While there were several trades throughout the night, few current NBA players changed teams. The biggest name to move was Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams. He was traded to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for two future first-round picks. The Suns later used the No. 10 pick to select Khaman Maluach, a high-potential center expected to contribute immediately.
The Brooklyn Nets were one of the busiest teams of the night, owning five first-round picks. The team made all five selections and, according to multiple reports, plans to keep each player. The Nets’ strategy focused on long-term development and adding depth to their roster.
The NBA Draft continues Thursday night with the second round. Teams will look to find hidden gems and fill roster needs with under-the-radar talent. While the first round brought star power and surprise picks, the second round often offers value for savvy franchises.
As Cooper Flagg heads to Dallas, expectations will be high. With a strong rookie season, he could help reshape the Mavericks and ignite a new era of success.
