On a buzzing Friday afternoon in Dallas, the Mavericks officially unveiled Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, to a swarm of media at their practice facility. The 17-year-old phenom, already a household name in basketball circles, stepped into the spotlight with the poise of a veteran, even as the press conference took unexpected turns. Flagg admitted he’d never seen highlights of Mavericks legend and head coach Jason Kidd, a candid moment that raised eyebrows. Meanwhile, GM Nico Harrison boldly claimed fans were “starting to see the vision,” conveniently sidestepping the stroke of fortune that landed Flagg in Dallas.
Flagg’s arrival is no ordinary draft moment. He’s a generational talent, drawing comparisons to the likes of Victor Wembanyama and Zion Williamson for his jaw-dropping potential. For years, his name has echoed through basketball’s inner circles as the prospect to watch. That buzz only amplified when, as a teenager, he held his own against NBA superstars on the USA Select Team during Team USA’s Olympic practices last summer. At just 17, Flagg was trading buckets with the best, a testament to his rare blend of skill, athleticism, and fearlessness.
Adding to the hype, Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry took to Instagram Stories on Friday to celebrate Flagg’s draft moment. Posting a throwback photo from his elite Curry Camp, where Flagg honed his craft among top prospects, Curry captioned it with a succinct but electrifying message: “Curry Camp -> NBA. Let’s get it!!” Those six words sent ripples through the NBA world, a nod from one of the game’s greatest to its newest prodigy.
Flagg’s journey to this point has been paved with high-profile camps and matchups that showcased his meteoric rise. From Curry’s camp to Team USA’s practices, he’s earned the respect of the NBA’s elite. Anthony Davis, in a congratulatory video shared by the Mavericks, playfully called out Flagg for hitting a shot over him during last year’s Team USA camp, vowing to get his revenge. The lighthearted jab underscored the camaraderie and respect Flagg has already garnered from the league’s biggest names.
Questions about Flagg’s fit alongside Mavericks forward P.J. Washington were swiftly dismissed. Washington himself shut down any concerns, expressing confidence that their games would mesh seamlessly. The Mavericks’ draft-night hype video, narrated by none other than Kyrie Irving, further amplified the excitement, painting Flagg as the cornerstone of Dallas’ future.
As Flagg steps into the NBA spotlight, the league is watching. With endorsements from stars like Curry, Davis, and Irving, and a skill set that screams superstar potential, the Mavericks didn’t just draft a player—they ignited a movement. Cooper Flagg is here, and the NBA will never be the same.