Mavericks Secure Cooper Flagg Selection with First Draft Pick
The Dallas Mavericks, after achieving the biggest jump in the NBA draft lottery, secured the first overall pick and plan to select Duke forward Cooper Flagg. Sources close to the team confirmed that they will not consider trading the pick for an established superstar.
The Mavericks, who had only a 1.8% chance of winning the lottery after being eliminated in the Western Conference play-in tournament, achieved an unexpected victory.
Mavs governor Patrick Dumont views the opportunity to select a generational talent like Flagg as a “gift.”
Sources close to the franchise
The arrival of Flagg could mitigate significant commercial concerns and long-term prospects for the franchise.
Flagg, who is 6 feet 9 inches tall, has been considered the favorite to be the first draft pick since August 2023.
Despite being one of the most anticipated college players, Flagg exceeded expectations by winning almost every major national Player of the Year award, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, and leading the Blue Devils (35-4) to a Final Four appearance.
I don’t know who we’re going to select, but if we select him, I think his resume is pretty solid. Every time they’ve put him in a situation where everyone wondered if he could succeed, he’s done it and then some.
Rick Welts, CEO of the Mavs
