Dallas Mavericks Select Cooper Flagg with No. 1 Pick in NBA Draft
Cooper Flagg, an 18-year-old forward from Duke University, was selected as the first overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA draft, held in Brooklyn, New York. Flagg is just the second youngest player in history to be drafted No. 1 overall, following LeBron James, who was selected in 2003. The young player expressed his gratitude and said it's a dream come true to be drafted by the Mavericks.
Key Takeaways:
- Cooper Flagg, an 18-year-old forward from Duke University, was selected as the first overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA draft.
- Flagg is the second youngest player in history to be drafted No. 1 overall, following LeBron James, who was selected in 2003.
- Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals in 37 games for the Blue Devils last season as a freshman.
- He led Duke in all five major statistical categories and became the fourth freshman in NCAA history to win the Wooden Award, given to the nation's top player.
- Flagg joined a talented team in Dallas, consisting of NBA champions Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Klay Thompson, and will wear jersey No. 32.
- The Mavericks said they are looking to reset their franchise after trading All-NBA guard Luka Doncic in February to the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Flagg's selection sparked controversy among Mavs fans, but he expressed confidence in being himself and improving every day.
Statistics:
- Flagg's NBA draft ranking: No. 1 overall
- Flagg's age: 18 years old
- Flagg's playing experience: Freshman in college, selected in the 2021 NBA draft
- Flagg's average stats for the 2024-2025 season: 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals
- Number of No. 1 overall picks from Duke University: Five in the last 30 years
Sources:
- CNN
- Wayne Sterling
- NBA draft results
- Duke University Athletics
- CNN article: "Mavericks select Cooper Flagg with No. 1 pick" by Wayne Sterling