Thu Jun 26 08:34:35 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The 2024 NBA Draft saw Cooper Flagg, a Duke standout, selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks. The San Antonio Spurs followed by picking Rutgers guard Dylan Harper to pair with Victor Wembanyama. The rest of the top 5 picks were VJ Edgecombe (76ers), Kon Knueppel (Hornets) and Ace Bailey (Jazz). Duke player Khaman Maluach was picked by the Rockets, but traded to the Suns.

**News Article:**

**Mavericks Draft Cooper Flagg No. 1 Overall, Harper Joins Wembanyama in San Antonio**

**NEW YORK** – The Dallas Mavericks made Duke forward Cooper Flagg the top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft on Wednesday night. Flagg, long projected as the number one selection, expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s a dream come true.” The Mavericks secured the coveted pick after winning the NBA Draft Lottery, despite having just a 1.8% chance. Flagg will be expected to revitalize the Mavericks franchise after the controversial trade of Luka Doncic last season.

Flagg, a 6-foot-8 forward, averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists during his freshman year at Duke, leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four and earning the prestigious Wooden Award.

Following the Mavericks’ selection, the San Antonio Spurs chose Rutgers guard Dylan Harper with the No. 2 pick. Harper, the son of former NBA player Ron Harper, will join a promising young core that already features Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. “They’ve got a great young core over there,” Harper said. “I’m just ready to get in there and make an impact any way I can with those guys.”

The Philadelphia 76ers selected VJ Edgecombe from Baylor with the third pick. The Charlotte Hornets picked Kon Knueppel with the fourth pick and the Utah Jazz selected Ace Bailey to round out the top five.

Khaman Maluach, Flagg’s teammate, was drafted No. 10 overall by the Houston Rockets but traded to the Phoenix Suns. Maluach spoke about his pride in representing the continent of Africa and hoping to be a beacon of inspiration for the next generation.

This marks the second time in franchise history that the Mavericks have held the top pick, previously selecting Mark Aguirre in 1981.

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