4 ways Flagg can make an immediate impact with the Mavericks
Cooper Flagg will almost certainly be selected by the Dallas Mavericks with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. But unlike previous top picks who joined rebuilding sides, Flagg will join a Mavericks team that's only one year removed from a Finals run and that boasts a roster stacked with contributors.
Here's a look at four ways the versatile forward can make an immediate impact with the Mavs:
Versatile rim protector
Flagg displayed a polished two-way game in his lone year at Duke, but his biggest immediate impact at the next level will likely come at the defensive end. A combination of size and quickness allowed the 6-foot-9 defensive disruptor to cover a lot of ground for the Blue Devils, evidenced by his 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game in 37 outings.
His quick hands and ability to intercept passes should help a Mavs team that finished 21st in the league this season with 7.8 steals per game. Pair that with his ability to protect the paint - his standing reach is listed at 8-foot-10.5 - and he should form an imposing rim-protecting duo with Anthony Davis, one of the league's elite defenders. Flagg posted the third-best defensive rating of any high-major player in the nation, so there's reason to believe he's up for the task.
Flexible big in supersized lineup
Lineups featuring two bigs aren't becoming a thing of the past; they're just evolving. Elite players who would have traditionally been power forwards are now blessed with playmaking and perimeter skills. Just look at Oklahoma City Thunder duo Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein during the team's 68-win season and Finals run.
The Mavs could take it a step further with Flagg at the 3, Davis at the 4, and Dereck Lively II at center. There's no question that Flagg can play as a small forward, and he'll likely play off Davis and Lively, creating mismatches and opportunities for cuts, while also unleashing his relentless offensive rebounding. Furthermore, Flagg shot 38.5% from three at Duke and 44% in conference play - very strong for a player whose go-to skill isn't shooting. Dallas should have no trouble with him roaming the court alongside Klay Thompson.
On-ball creator
The Mavericks sacrificed playmaking for defense when they moved Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis. This wasn't supposed to be an issue, as nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving was pegged to take over primary ball-handling duties. However, with Irving out for a good portion of the season with a torn ACL and no other high-level creator on the roster, Dallas could have an on-ball creation issue.
Moving either P.J. Washington or Daniel Gafford might rectify this situation and clear up some of the logjam at the forward spot, but until a trade is completed, Flagg is capable of being a stopgap. He's shown flashes of breathtaking playmaking. He uses his size to throw passes at unique angles and is particularly adept at finding teammates in the fastbreak. He quickly developed a strong relationship with big man Khaman Maluach and could be even more threatening next to the rim-running Lively. Flagg's passing improved as he gained more comfort at the collegiate level - four of his five highest assist outings came after the New Year - and his 4.2 assists per game were fifth best in the nation among players who are at least 6-foot-8.
Multi-tier scorer
Numerous dazzling passers have failed to make an impact in the league, as playmaking becomes a useless skill if defenses aren't worried about the ball-handler's scoring prowess.
This is where Flagg's offensive game becomes tantalizing, pairing great passing with three-level scoring.
Flagg is already a strong 3-point shooter, but his ability to knock down triples with a live dribble (41.1%) makes him an elite scoring threat. His dangerous outside shot opens up the floor, particularly as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, and permits him to get to the rim, where he's also tremendously efficient. Flagg shot 55% at the rim in half-court situations, per Synergy. His live-dribble 3-point shooting, soft touch, and high release make him a great bet to develop a strong midrange game as well.