Cooper Flagg officially joins Dallas Mavericks as 1st pick in 2025 NBA Draft

The 2025 NBA Draft delivered its verdict Wednesday night at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, with Cooper Flagg selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks. The Duke forward, considered a generational talent, represents a major turning point for a Texas franchise going through one of the most difficult periods in its history.

With only 1.8% odds of getting the first pick, Dallas benefited from an extraordinary stroke of luck in the lottery. Flagg, who checks all the boxes of a franchise player, brings number one scorer potential, playmaker qualities, and All-Defense level defense. « It’s a dream come true, » Flagg declared after his selection.

Surprises and disappointments mark the first round

The evening was also marked by several surprises, notably Ace Bailey’s fall to fifth pick. The Rutgers guard, long projected third in mock drafts, was selected by the Utah Jazz despite his displayed reluctance. « I had no idea the Jazz was interested in me, » Bailey confided to Andscape after the draft.

Dylan Harper joined the San Antonio Spurs at second pick, likely securing the best situation among top 5 prospects. The former Rutgers player will play alongside Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, giving him the opportunity to make the playoffs in his rookie season.

The Phoenix Suns made an excellent move by getting Khaman Maluach at tenth pick. The Duke center, initially ranked higher, brings exactly what Phoenix needed: rim protection, rebounds, and defensive energy. This selection transforms the Kevin Durant trade and strengthens a crucial position.

Portland and Miami emerge as big trade winners

The Portland Trail Blazers brilliantly navigated this draft by trading the eleventh pick for the sixteenth, a 2028 first-round pick and two second-round picks with Memphis. An impressive haul for a franchise not yet ready to compete at the highest level.

The Miami Heat benefited from Kasparas Jakucionis‘s fall to twentieth pick. The Lithuanian guard, ranked eleventh on ESPN’s big board, lands in an ideal situation for a playmaker. His versatility will allow him to play alongside Tyler Herro and potentially become Miami‘s franchise point guard.

This first draft night reshuffled the cards, with franchises like Dallas seeing the future in a new light, while others like Washington saw their targets slip away. The second round, scheduled for Thursday, promises to bring additional revelations.