'As Real as Advertised': Cooper Flagg Gets Massive Praise from Chris Paul Ahead of 2025 NBA Draft

Projected No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg hasn’t even heard his name called at the NBA Draft yet, but he’s already making waves among veteran stars.

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show Thursday, free-agent guard Chris Paul revealed he’s been working out alongside Flagg in Los Angeles and came away impressed with the Duke standout.

“I’m in L.A. right now, and Cooper Flagg has been out there,” Paul said. “I’ve been in the gym with him a couple times and whatnot. He’s as real as advertised.”

The praise comes just weeks ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, where Flagg is widely expected to be selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks.

After finishing the regular season with just a 1.8% chance of winning the lottery, Dallas vaulted 10 spots to land the No. 1 pick—a move that instantly changed the direction of the franchise following its blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Cooper Flagg’s Impressive Freshman Campaign

The 2025 NBA Draft will begin on June 25 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, with the Mavericks on the clock. Flagg’s selection is widely seen as a formality.

At Duke, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc. His two-way versatility, shot-making, and defensive instincts helped him become just the fourth freshman to win the Wooden Award, joining an elite group that includes Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and Zion Williamson.

Flagg’s competitive edge and maturity have quickly separated him from his peers, and his impact has already been felt during informal offseason workouts with pros like Paul.

Chris Paul’s Future and Potential Fit in Dallas

Paul, 40, is set to enter unrestricted free agency after completing a one-year deal with the San Antonio Spurs. While many around the league expect the 12-time All-Star to continue his career, the question remains where.

The Mavericks have emerged as a realistic destination, particularly with Kyrie Irving sidelined into early 2026 after suffering a torn ACL. Paul played in all 82 games this past season, averaging 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 1.3 steals. His leadership and high-level decision-making could provide a short-term solution in Dallas and a veteran mentor to Flagg.

Paul didn’t hide his excitement about the draft lottery results either, especially after watching his former team climb the board. The Spurs ultimately landed the No. 2 pick and are expected to select dynamic combo guard Dylan Harper to pair with Victor Wembanyama, unless a trade occurs.

“I was watching the ping pong balls like everybody, and then when I saw the Spurs pop into the top four, we was going crazy, guys on my team in the group chat,” Paul said.

There are personal elements to weigh regarding Paul’s free agency decision.

Paul’s family, including his children, has remained in Los Angeles since his time with the Clippers. That fact looms large over his free agency. If proximity to home is the top priority, one of the Los Angeles teams could present the more likely destination.

“I talked to my family about it. My son is 16. My daughter is 12. The past six seasons, I have lived without them,” Paul said. “I’ve been away from them for the last six years. That’s the conversation.”

Looking Ahead

Flagg’s readiness to contribute from day one is no longer just a scouting projection—it’s a view confirmed by those already sharing the gym with him.

Paul’s endorsement carries weight not just for its praise, but for what it could signal: the start of a potential new era in Dallas, led by one of the rare prospects many consider a can’t-miss player.