It is highly probable that Cooper Flagg will join the Dallas Mavericks next month. A statement like that seemed impossible around this time last year, and even improbable just minutes before the NBA Draft Lottery drawing.
Nevertheless, Flagg appears to be on his way, potentially to revitalize basketball in Dallas. The Mavs` surprising leap to secure the No. 1 overall pick following a chaotic NBA Draft Lottery in Chicago occurs less than four months after the franchise sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Mavs general manager Nico Harrison faces a straightforward decision next month in selecting one of the most highly-regarded draft prospects of the modern era. Flagg has consistently been viewed as the consensus No. 1 overall pick since the 2025 draft cycle commenced last summer.
What can Dallas expect from Flagg? A versatile forward capable of making significant contributions on both ends of the court. Flagg was recognized as the top player in college basketball this past season and was also one of the youngest athletes in the sport.
Let`s delve into our latest mock draft projections, beginning with Dallas holding the first pick.
Mock Draft – Round 1
Round 1 – Pick 1: Cooper Flagg
Projected Team: Dallas
SF • Duke • Fr • 6`9″ / 205 lbs
Stats: 19.2 PPG • 7.5 RPG • 4.2 APG • 38.5% 3P
Mavs GM Nico Harrison pulled off one of the wildest trades in NBA history earlier this year. Four months later, Harrison will have one of the easiest decisions of his career on who to select with the No. 1 pick. Drafting Flagg — who can be Dallas` homegrown star for the next decade — will never erase trading away Luka to the Lakers, but it`s a consolation prize to a fan base that`s been through the ringer the last four months. The Mavs have impressive frontcourt depth, but drafting anyone other than Flagg would be a stunner.
Round 1 – Pick 2: Dylan Harper
Projected Team: San Antonio
PG • Rutgers • Fr • 6`6″ / 215 lbs
Stats: 19.4 PPG • 4.6 RPG • 4 APG • 33.3% 3P
My first thought when the Spurs got pick No. 2 was will Harper and De`Aaron Fox be able to co-exist in the backcourt? Harper is alone in Tier ll of draft prospects in this class, so it would be shocking to see anyone but Harper taken with this pick. Would the Spurs consider moving this pick for a superstar … such as Giannis Antetokounmpo? Who knows. Regardless, the Spurs should take the best player on the board and figure out the rest later.
Round 1 – Pick 3: Ace Bailey
Projected Team: Philadelphia
SF • Rutgers • Fr • 6`10″ / 200 lbs
Stats: 17.6 PPG • 7.2 RPG • 1.3 APG • 34.6% 3P
The 76ers` move up to No. 3 was surprising. I thought it was more likely Philadelphia would fall out of the top-seven and have to give its pick to Oklahoma City than what transpired on Monday. The 76ers can go multiple directions here, but adding Bailey to a core of Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, Jared McCain and Joel Embiid would be mutually beneficial.
Round 1 – Pick 4: VJ Edgecombe
Projected Team: Charlotte
SG • Baylor • Fr • 6`5″ / 180 lbs
Stats: 15 PPG • 5.6 RPG • 3.2 APG • 34% 3P
One of my favorite potential fits in the draft is Edgecombe going to Charlotte. I`m a huge believer in the two-way upside Edgecombe has. He can be a true two-way star at the next level one day. Edgecombe improved his shot throughout the season and is one of the most athletic players in his draft class. Edgecombe next to LaMelo Ball would be fun to watch.
Round 1 – Pick 5: Kon Knueppel
Projected Team: Utah
SF • Duke • Fr • 6`7″ / 217 lbs
Stats: 14.4 PPG • 4 RPG • 2.7 APG • 40.6% 3P
After missing out on the Flagg sweepstakes, Utah selects the teammate of the future No. 1 overall pick out of Duke. Knueppel is a sharpshooter who would be an immediate contributor for the Jazz from Day 1. If this is how the board shakes out, I could see Utah deciding between Knueppel and Johnson.
Dominic Ashworth, 41, has made his mark in Leicester's sports media scene with his comprehensive coverage of football and horse racing. Known for his ability to spot emerging talents, Dominic spends countless hours at local sporting events, developing stories that matter to both casual fans and dedicated enthusiasts.
Jasper Hawthorne