NBA Draft 2025: Cooper Flagg to Dallas Mavericks headlines CBS Sports post-lottery mock projection The NBA Draft Lottery results shook up the outlook for some of college basketball’s biggest stars.
The NBA Draft Lottery is always one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the basketball calendar. For both professional teams and college basketball stars, it signifies the beginning of the next phase in their basketball careers. The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, held this year, did not disappoint, with unexpected twists and turns that shook up the projections for some of college basketball’s most talented players. Among the most talked-about prospects is Cooper Flagg, a highly skilled forward from Montverde Academy who has rapidly emerged as one of the most coveted prospects for the upcoming draft.
Flagg, known for his all-around game, physicality, and basketball IQ, had long been viewed as one of the top players in his class, but his future destination has become even more intriguing following the Lottery’s results. CBS Sports’ post-lottery mock projection, which came out shortly after the event, has Flagg landing with the Dallas Mavericks, a choice that could fundamentally reshape both the Mavericks’ roster and the trajectory of Flagg’s NBA career.
In this analysis, we will explore how the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery results shaped the draft picture, why Cooper Flagg’s selection by the Mavericks makes sense, and what the future holds for him as he prepares for the transition to professional basketball.
The NBA Draft Lottery: A New Era of Opportunities
The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery is a pivotal moment for teams looking to rebuild, strengthen their rosters, or make a push for championships. With the lottery results shaking up the standings, there are a lot of teams who suddenly find themselves with the opportunity to draft top-tier talent. Historically, the lottery has produced some of the most iconic and game-changing players in NBA history, and the 2025 Draft is expected to be no different.
This year’s lottery had some surprises, including teams like the Dallas Mavericks securing top picks—an unexpected shift that could lead to significant changes within their organization. The Lottery revealed that several teams, many of whom were not expected to land at the top of the draft, now have the chance to pick highly ranked prospects like Cooper Flagg, an emerging star who is seen as a potential game-changer.
For teams like the Mavericks, this draft presents a golden opportunity to pair a young, talented player with a franchise cornerstone. Dallas has one of the NBA’s most dynamic players in Luka Dončić, but surrounding him with the right pieces has proven challenging. The addition of a top-tier prospect like Cooper Flagg could be just what the Mavericks need to elevate their title hopes.
Cooper Flagg: A Rising Star with Endless Potential
Cooper Flagg’s meteoric rise through the ranks of high school basketball has been nothing short of spectacular. The Montverde Academy forward, standing at 6-foot-8 with exceptional athleticism and basketball IQ, is one of the most versatile prospects to come through the ranks in recent years. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor makes him an intriguing prospect for NBA teams looking to bolster their rosters with players who can contribute immediately.
Offensive Skills
Flagg’s offensive game is incredibly diverse. His shooting ability from the perimeter, his scoring around the rim, and his vision as a playmaker give him an edge over other players in his class. While he’s not yet a lights-out three-point shooter, Flagg has shown considerable improvement in that area. His mid-range game is polished, and his ability to score in a variety of ways makes him a multi-dimensional offensive weapon. He’s particularly effective in transition, where his speed and ability to finish at the basket in a variety of ways make him a dangerous player in the open court.
His passing ability is also one of the standout traits that sets him apart. Flagg has the rare ability to playmake from the forward position, demonstrating impressive court vision and the ability to facilitate offense. Whether it’s running the pick-and-roll or making plays for teammates, Flagg has the potential to be a point-forward in the NBA, a role that is increasingly valued in today’s positionless game.
Defensive Prowess
Defensively, Flagg is even more of a game-changer. He possesses incredible versatility on that side of the ball, capable of guarding multiple positions, from smaller guards to larger forwards. His quickness, length, and anticipation make him an elite defender, and his shot-blocking ability is a key asset in the paint. Flagg’s ability to switch on screens and disrupt opposing offenses with his defensive instincts is what sets him apart as one of the best two-way players in the draft.
In an NBA where defensive versatility is more important than ever, Flagg’s ability to guard multiple positions and impact games on the defensive end could make him an immediate contributor at the next level. His mental toughness, combined with his physical tools, means he is not only capable of defending effectively but can be a defensive anchor for a team.
Leadership and Intangibles
While his physical tools and skills have garnered the most attention, Cooper Flagg’s leadership and intangibles are perhaps the most important aspects of his game. Flagg has always been regarded as a player who leads by example. His work ethic, commitment to improvement, and ability to elevate his teammates make him a natural leader in any locker room. These traits will only serve him well in the NBA, where the demands and pressures are higher, and the competition is more fierce.
Why the Dallas Mavericks? A Perfect Fit for Flagg
The Dallas Mavericks have long been known for their commitment to building a team around Luka Dončić. As the centerpiece of their offense, Dončić has already proven to be one of the most dynamic players in the NBA, capable of taking over games and being a primary scorer and facilitator. However, one of the main challenges the Mavericks have faced is finding the right players to complement Dončić’s skill set.
The arrival of Cooper Flagg could be the key to unlocking the Mavericks’ potential. Flagg’s ability to play multiple positions, defend at an elite level, and contribute as a scorer and facilitator gives him the versatility to seamlessly fit alongside Dončić. The Mavericks have long needed a player who can take some of the defensive responsibility off Dončić while also contributing offensively. Flagg’s two-way capabilities and high basketball IQ make him an ideal pairing next to the All-Star guard.
Offensive Synergy with Dončić
Luka Dončić thrives with playmaking wings and forwards, and Cooper Flagg’s ability to facilitate the offense will be a tremendous asset for the Mavericks. With Dončić often tasked with creating plays for the offense, having a player like Flagg who can run the floor, finish in transition, and create for others will provide much-needed balance to the Mavs’ offense.
Flagg can also ease some of the scoring burden on Dončić. His ability to score in multiple ways, whether it’s through attacking the rim, knocking down mid-range jumpers, or contributing as a secondary playmaker, will allow Dončić to focus on orchestrating the offense without feeling as though he has to do everything. Flagg’s versatility gives head coach Jason Kidd flexibility in how he builds offensive sets, ensuring that the Mavericks can run a fluid, positionless offense that takes full advantage of their stars’ skills.
Defensive Improvement
On the defensive side, Flagg’s arrival would be a huge boost for the Mavericks. Dallas has often struggled defensively in recent seasons, particularly in the frontcourt. With Flagg’s ability to guard multiple positions and protect the rim, he can instantly make the Mavericks a more formidable defensive team. His presence would allow Dallas to be more flexible in defensive schemes, switching on screens, and providing help defense when needed.
In particular, Flagg’s ability to defend without fouling and his knack for disrupting passing lanes would complement the defensive efforts of players like Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber. Together, they could form a formidable defensive unit that would balance out the Mavericks’ offensive firepower.
What’s Next for Cooper Flagg?
With the NBA Draft just around the corner, Cooper Flagg’s future is bright, and his arrival with the Dallas Mavericks would be a momentous step in his career. As he prepares to transition from high school basketball to the NBA, Flagg will need to continue developing his game and adjusting to the increased competition at the professional level. His work ethic, basketball IQ, and ability to impact the game on both ends will serve him well as he adjusts to life in the NBA.
For the Mavericks, selecting Flagg would represent a significant step in their quest to build a championship-contending team around Luka Dončić. If Flagg lives up to his potential, he could be the piece that finally elevates Dallas back into contention for an NBA title.
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks. If the current projections hold, Flagg’s selection by Dallas would mark the beginning of a promising new chapter in both his career and the future of the Mavericks. With a player of Flagg’s caliber joining the mix, the NBA landscape is sure to shift in exciting ways in the coming years.
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