In Chicago, Cooper Flagg attended the NBA Draft Lottery, prepared for various outcomes. As the projected top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, he was a central figure, irrespective of which team secured the No. 1 selection.
However, the Dallas Mavericks securing the top spot seemed to be an unexpected outcome. Dallas had incredibly low odds, just 1.8%, of winning the lottery. When their name was announced for the top pick, the broadcast immediately showed Flagg, who was present. His reaction was minimal – a quiet moment that seemed to convey a strong message.
Observers generally noted what was described by one source as a `flat` or `unemotional` reaction. Another person I spoke with characterized it as a `look of trepidation`. Shortly after the announcement, Flagg avoided directly addressing a question about potentially playing for the Mavericks during an ESPN interview.
This apparent apprehension was understandable and didn`t seem directed at the city of Dallas or its current team. Instead, the reaction appeared linked to the existing narrative surrounding the Mavericks, particularly concerning General Manager Nico Harrison`s past personnel decisions. There`s a likely desire from Flagg`s camp to avoid a situation where the GM could potentially frame drafting Cooper as justification for previous criticized moves.
By Wednesday, however, Flagg`s demeanor had noticeably changed. Speaking with media at the NBA Combine, Flagg discussed Dallas more openly and expressed genuine enthusiasm for the current roster. He stated, “As far as Dallas goes, they`ve got a lot of really good pieces. (Dereck Lively) coming from Duke, that`s pretty cool. So, I think it would be a really cool opportunity.”
His specific mention of Lively, a fellow Duke product, was notable and reportedly sparked speculation among NBA executives. One line of thinking emerged: Could Dallas attempt to acquire a second-round pick specifically to target another former Blue Devil teammate of Flagg`s?
Tyrese Proctor, an Australian guard and close teammate of Flagg`s at both Duke and Montverde Academy, is considered a potential second-round draft prospect. The Mavericks currently only possess the No. 1 pick, but league sources suggest they might be inclined to acquire a second-round selection if a suitable player like Proctor is available. While Proctor`s exact draft position is uncertain, he`s seen as a low-risk, versatile guard with developmental potential, capable of playing both on and off the ball, and he aligns with the team`s rebuilding timeline.
It`s important to clarify that there`s no indication Flagg would demand the team draft Proctor. However, the concept of adding a trusted teammate who also aligns with General Manager Harrison`s stated preference for versatile, two-way players is seen as a logical move for a team facing significant roster limitations and aiming to redefine its identity.
Jasper Hawthorne