Jun 26, 2025 04:56 AM IST

The 2025 NBA Draft, held at Barclays Center, is being dubbed as ‘Flagg Day’, with Duke star Cooper Flagg anticipated to be picked at No 1

The 2025 NBA Draft, held at Barclays Center, is being dubbed as ‘Flagg Day’, with Duke star Cooper Flagg anticipated to be picked because the No 1 decide. The 18-year-old’s faculty crew, hours earlier than the draft, made a robust indication in direction of his future. It looks as if the Dallas Mavericks will decide him as No 1 total.

Cooper Flagg arrives for the primary spherical of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday(AP)

Duke’s basketball program fueled anticipation by posting a spotlight reel captioned ‘congrats @dallasmavs’ on Wednesday, dubbed “Flagg Day” by sponsor New Balance. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd has repeatedly praised the ‘child from Duke’, noting Flagg’s match alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. “He’s a generational expertise we will construct round,” Kidd stated, quashing hypothesis about becoming a member of the New York Knicks.

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Read More: LeBron James praises Cooper Flagg forward of NBA Draft, calls Duke star ‘wonderful’

Why is Cooper Flagg a transparent selection?

Flagg, a 6-foot-9 ahead from Maine, has dominated pre-draft discussions together with his two-way dominance, averaging 15.7 factors, 8.2 rebounds, and a couple of.1 blocks per sport at Duke.

Despite not turning 19 till December 2025, he’s earned accolades because the youngest in his class, drawing comparisons to Kevin Durant for his versatility. The Mavericks’ intent to draft Flagg has been an open secret, with no different prospects, together with Rutgers’ Dylan Harper, receiving exercises for the highest spot.

Flagg visited solely Dallas, and commerce rumors have been swiftly dismissed, signaling the Mavs’ dedication.

Read More: Top 2025 NBA Draft picks: Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey and extra

Other Duke prospects within the draft

Duke’s draft presence extends past Flagg, with heart Khaman Maluach and guard Kon Knueppel projected as top-10 picks. Maluach, a 7-foot-2 South Sudanese phenom, is eyed by groups just like the Washington Wizards, whereas Knueppel’s capturing prowess attracts curiosity from the Charlotte Hornets, as per experiences. Their potential alternatives may make Duke the primary program with three top-10 picks since Kentucky in 2015.

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How are the Mavericks planning?

Securing Flagg anchors Dallas’ long-term imaginative and prescient, pairing his defensive tenacity with Doncic’s playmaking. The Mavs, coming off a 50-win 2024-25 season, additionally maintain the No. 24 decide and are linked to free brokers like Klay Thompson to bolster their roster.

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