College basketball star Cooper Flagg is expected to be selected as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. Dallas secured the top pick after winning the NBA Draft Lottery last month. Flagg is 18 years old and comes from Duke University where he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 steals and blocks per game.
According to LeBron James, one of the best players in the NBA, "He's going to be amazing." In his podcast, LeBron said that Flagg can play with or without the ball, is fast, and has a strong second jump. He is also a versatile playmaker who stands at 6'9 and weighs 225 pounds.
Flagg visited only Dallas before the draft. If he is selected, he will become the first player from Maine to be drafted since 1984. He said, "No matter where you come from, as long as you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything you want."
Currently, Dallas' lineup includes Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. LeBron added that it's a big deal for Flagg to be around veteran players like Davis, Irving, and Klay Thompson, as well as head coach Jason Kidd. He said this will be a big help in his development as a new NBA star.
Other teams in the top 10 picks include San Antonio, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Utah. There are also reports that the Phoenix Suns have acquired the 10th pick from Houston in exchange for Kevin Durant, but the deal is not yet official. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers have made a move to acquire Jrue Holiday from Boston in exchange for Anfernee Simons and draft picks.
