IT WAS as straightforward as possible for the Dallas Mavericks at the 2025 NBA Draft in Chicago last week, making the most obvious selection in years with the first overall pick in the first round.

The trajectory of the Mavericks’ franchise changed in May when they defied the odds to snag the top selection at the draft lottery. Despite having just a 1.8 per cent chance of doing so, Dallas walked away with the number one selection for the 2025 NBA Draft, in what is an important intake to do so.

Now, the Mavericks have their franchise player sorted for the next 15 years, adding a generational talent to a roster that is already loaded with established talent, and could be among the contenders next season.

Dallas Mavericks

Drafted Players

Cooper Flagg (pick one)

There was no doubting what the Mavericks were going to do with their sole selection at the 2025 NBA Draft, in one of the easiest decisions a team has had with a selection in years, given the talent of the top prospect.

The Mavericks acquired Flagg with their top selection, who will now be the face of the franchise for the next era following the Luka Doncic trade. It was the perfect ending to a difficult season for the franchise, who now have the next superstar of the NBA.

Flagg was the best player on both sides of the ball in the 2025 draft class, proving an absolute star with the Duke Blue Devils throughout his sole NCAAM campaign. He just knows how to make the right plays, and will heavily contribute to winning with the Mavericks early in his career.

With Kyrie Irving set to be sidelined for most of the season with an ACL injury, Flagg will certainly get his fair share of touches in the his rookie season in Dallas, and will be able to learn off the likes of Irving and Anthony Davis as he develops his game.

The forward will be an immediate starter for the Mavericks, and given the amount of star power he will be surrounded with in combination with the likelihood that he can make an impact early, there is no doubt Dallas will be among the contenders in the Western Conference if it can stay healthy as a team.

The selection of Flagg was a no-brainer for the Mavericks, who will be able to build around the young forward and create a team that will be consistently competitive for the next decade.