Thu Jun 26 02:40:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Mavericks Select Cooper Flagg with No. 1 Overall Pick in 2025 NBA Draft**

**DALLAS (AP)** — In a move that could reshape the franchise for years to come, the Dallas Mavericks selected Duke forward Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night. The selection marks a pivotal moment for Dallas, who defied the odds with a mere 1.8% chance of winning the lottery.

The acquisition of Flagg underscores a growing “Duke pipeline” in Dallas. Once Kyrie Irving, also a Duke alumnus, returns from a torn ACL, the Mavericks’ starting lineup could feature three former Blue Devils, including center Dereck Lively II, drafted in 2023.

The path to acquiring Flagg was paved with unexpected twists. A season-ending injury to Irving, coupled with an injury to Anthony Davis (acquired in a controversial trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers), derailed the Mavericks’ playoff aspirations last season. Despite securing a play-in tournament berth, they ultimately missed the playoffs, landing them in the lottery.

The selection of Flagg also follows Irving’s recent contract extension, a three-year, $119 million deal solidifying his commitment to Dallas. The Mavericks hope that pairing Irving and Flagg will translate into deep playoff runs.

Flagg becomes only the second No. 1 overall pick in Mavericks history, joining Mark Aguirre (1981). His coach, Jason Kidd, was also drafted to Dallas in 1994 as the second overall pick.

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