Cooper Flagg: The Bright Future of the Mavericks According to Alofoke Deportes
Ever since LeBron James emerged as a superstar, the expectation for an American prospect hadn’t been as high as the one placed on Cooper Flagg. His arrival at the Dallas Mavericks, after a stroke of luck in the lottery and a season full of changes, adds even more excitement to the equation. Flagg finds himself in an unusual position: a draft number 1 with the potential to contribute to a winning team from his rookie season.
“We are in win-now mode, and he adds to that, but he is also the future of the franchise,” said Nico Harrison, Mavs general manager, at Flagg’s introductory press conference in July.
Nico Harrison, General Manager of the Mavericks
How much will the Mavericks earn with Flagg in his rookie season and beyond? How soon will he become an All-Star? Will he win MVP awards and championships? Our Alofoke Deportes expert panel analyzes these and other questions as Flagg prepares for his first NBA training camp.Image description: The best of Cooper Flagg at Duke. Relive the best plays of Cooper Flagg, the Duke rookie selected by the Dallas Mavericks with the number 1 pick.
In the 2025-26 season, Flagg and the Mavericks will finish…
A trivia question: Who was the last number 1 draft pick to play in the playoffs as a rookie? The answer is a tie: Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons, with the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2017-18 season. This achievement required unique circumstances.
Flagg will play for the Mavericks, a franchise that, after reaching the NBA Finals, bet on a strategic change. Flagg is projected to be a starter immediately, but he is not expected to carry the weight of the team, especially with experienced veterans like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.
The impact of Irving, who is returning from an injury, will be crucial. If he returns to his best level, he could be a decisive factor. Experts estimate the Mavericks’ chances in the postseason:
Out of the postseason (11-15): 3.8%
In the play-in (7-10): 73.1%
In the playoffs (5-6): 23.1%
Home advantage in playoffs (4 or more): 0%
How many series will Flagg, Anthony Davis, and Kyrie Irving win together in Dallas? Almost two-thirds of our panelists believe that Flagg and the Mavs will win two or fewer series with this core. About 15% estimate that they will win at least four playoff series. The age of Irving and Davis, along with the need for Irving to regain his form, suggest that the time for the Mavericks to succeed is now. The health and integration of the three key players will be crucial to exceeding expectations.
0: 7.7%
1: 30.8%
2: 26.9%
3: 19.2%
4: 3.8%
5: 7.7%
6 or more: 3.8%
When will Flagg be an All-Star for the first time?
It is unlikely that Flagg will be an All-Star in his rookie season. However, it is more common for players to become All-Stars in their second year. Our panel is confident that Flagg will reach this level in the coming years.
2025-26: 3.8%
2026-27: 30.8%
2027-28: 57.7%
2028-29: 7.7%
How many MVP awards will Flagg win?
It is unlikely that Flagg will break the streak of international players winning the MVP at present. However, Flagg has the potential to win multiple MVP awards throughout his career. External factors, such as team success and media narratives, will influence this possibility.
0: 34.6%
1: 46.2%
2: 15.4%
3: 0%
4 or more: 3.8%
How many NBA titles will Flagg win?
Winning a title is not easy, even for a number 1 draft pick. History suggests that the odds are against Flagg winning a championship. However, Flagg has a better projection than most prospects. The presence of Davis and Irving on the team increases his chances.
0: 7.7%
1: 76.9%
2: 7.7%
3: 7.7%
4 or more: 0%
How many teams will Flagg play for?
Although Dirk Nowitzki proved that it is possible to stay in Dallas for an entire career, recent history suggests that Flagg could change teams at some point. Only four of the top 50 scorers of the 21st century have played for a single team.
1 (Dallas): 3.8%
2: 53.8%
3: 34.6%
4 or more: 7.7%
Image description: Cooper Flagg’s reaction to being chosen number 1. Cooper Flagg speaks with Monica McNutt after being selected number 1 in the 2025 NBA draft.
Where will Flagg be ranked in the NBA in 2025?
It’s rare for a rookie to enter the Top 100, but Flagg has the potential to generate a considerable impact. Our panel is optimistic about his performance in his rookie season. Jeremy Woo estimates that Flagg will rank between 76-100. The conversation itself demonstrates Flagg’s quality and bright future.
