On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
The Dallas Mavericks are set to select Cooper Flagg first overall in Wednesday's 2025 NBA Draft, and not only are they getting the top prospect in this year's class, but they could be getting a future Hall of Famer.
In his lone season at Duke, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game with 48.1/38.5/84.0 shooting splits, becoming the top two-way player in college basketball, and could ultimately get to that level in the NBA.
Flagg has drawn many comparisons ahead of getting drafted, from Jayson Tatum to Scottie Pippen, but the most accurate might be LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard. The two-time NBA Finals MVP and two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year is elite on both sides of the ball, and that is exactly how Flagg wants to be at the next level.
Ahead of Wednesday's draft, Flagg was asked who he thinks his NBA player comparison is, and the answer is not too surprising.
"I like to think that I could play like Kawhi [Leonard]," Flagg said. "Just such a good two-way talent. I don't know if I actually do or not, but I think my friends would say someone like that as well."
Cooper Flagg says his NBA player comparison is Kawhi pic.twitter.com/TSb9xQ5NCm
— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) June 24, 2025
With how Flagg dominated in college, he is undoubtedly Kawhi-esque, but it all comes down to how his game translates to the next level. Leonard started out as more of a defensive presence before growing into his offensive game, and on an already star-studded Mavericks team, Flagg could do the same.
More must-reads:
- Shedeur Sanders gets new chance after Browns QB injury
- Top moments from 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame inductions
- The 'MLB mascot names' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
Dodgers Facing Trade Decision After Blake Snell News
Left-handed starting pitcher Blake Snell is in his tenth major-league season after making his debut with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016. Snell spent time with the San Diego Padres, then signed a deal with the San Francisco Giants after the 2023 season, which he later opted out of to enter free agency in 2024. The 32-year-old veteran signed a five-year, $182 million contract this offseason with the Los Angeles Dodgers after an exceptional 2024 campaign. Snell earned such a lucrative contract thanks to his outstanding career to date, which includes two Cy Young Awards and an All-Star appearance. Over 213 career starts, he owns a 77–58 record, a 3.18 ERA and 1,372 strikeouts. Snell was placed on the injured list on April 6 (retroactive to April 3) with left shoulder inflammation after experiencing discomfort during a bullpen session; he had made only two starts for the Dodgers before the injury. After four minor-league rehab outings, manager Dave Roberts announced on Sunday that Snell is expected to rejoin the rotation next week. With his return looming, the Dodgers have decided to shift to a six-man rotation but now face a decision on right-hander Dustin May’s roster status. May returned to a full-time starting role for the first time in two seasons and has struggled. On Sunday against the Boston Red Sox, May allowed four runs in five innings of work, and he entered the start with an ERA of 4.73. May’s name has surfaced in trade rumors, and he is a candidate to potentially be moved to the bullpen. He is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.
Raiders DC Patrick Graham couldn't be happier that one of his star pupils is back looking how he's supposed to look
The Las Vegas Raiders were without Malcolm Koonce last season after he tore his ACL before the season started. So, they had to rely on production from other players, like Charles Snowden, K'Lavon Chaisson, Tyree Wilson, and others. And, to be fair to those guys, it worked -- despite all of the injuries the Raiders had on the defensive line last season, to Koonce, Maxx Crosby, Christian Wilkins, and Tyree Wilson, the defensive line was still really, really good, and that's props to Robbie Leonard, the DL coach. Now, it's been a year -- Koonce, who hasn't played in a year, was brought back as a free agent on a one-year deal, where he will get to prove himself, that he's still the same guy despite the injury. If he is, they will likely bring him back on a bigger, long-term deal. If he's not, then the Raiders may just move on. Koonce has been back at camp, and the Raiders couldn't be happier to see him. Patrick Graham is happy to see Malcolm Koonce at training camp “I'm excited for him to get a chance to get out there and get better. I'm glad he’s back. His energy both on the field and in the classroom is infectious. The fact that he goes out there and executes at a high level, it’s always encouraging to see that, and it’s a good example for other players," defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said on Day 4 of training camp. 2023 was a crazy season for Koonce. His performance was particularly notable in the second half of the season, where he recorded six of his eight sacks and 10 of his 17 quarterback hits in the final four games, with a standout game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day, where he notched a career-high three sacks and eight pressures against Patrick Mahomes. He was balling, for sure. His performance surged after Week 8, with 35 pressures, seven sacks, six tackles for loss, 15 quarterback hits, and three forced fumbles, establishing him as one of the NFL’s top pass rushers during that stretch. If the Raiders can get that back in 2025, things are going to get scary for the rest of the league.
Ex-Teammate Excludes Luka Doncic From Mavs All-Time Starting 5
Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall was recently asked to create an all-time starting five featuring Mavs players. In the process of listing the players to his team, Marshall excluded his former teammate, Luka Doncic. He responded to the question with: "JKidd, Kyrie, Michael Finley, Dirk, Tyson Chandler." The mention of players like Jason Kidd, Kyrie Irving, Dirk Nowitzki, and Tyson Chandler are justified. Given that Kidd, Nowitzki, and Chandler helped bring the team its first title, the three cemented their place as franchise legends. In this regard, Irving joins the list simply because of how great of a player he is. Although his time in Dallas has been brief, the nine-time All-Star has been spectacular. Selecting Michael Finley over Luka Doncic raises eyebrows, especially considering Doncic's impact on the franchise. When factoring in what Doncic meant to the organization before being traded to the Lakers, it was clear that he was expected to be one of their all-time greats. The Doncic-Davis trade was viewed as one of the most shocking deals in league history. Many viewed the deal unfavorably, especially since Doncic had no role in orchestrating it, making Marshall’s omission all the more puzzling. With Doncic expected to sign his contract extension with the Lakers, it is evident that his NBA journey will take him in a different direction. Meanwhile, Marshall remains with the Mavs, as they aim to be a more competitive team next season. Naji Marshall Opened Up On Missing Luka Doncic Marshall's latest display may hint at some amount of pettiness, but the forward has been quite expressive in detailing his friendship with Doncic. On an episode of "The Young Man And The Three" podcast, the forward opened up on missing his teammate and said: "I mean, I understood that, like, business is business as far as the NBA, but I was hurt, man. Luka’s my dawg, for real. And I love AD. That’s my guy right there. Like, he’s been great with us. You know, he welcomed us with open arms… But as far as just personally, like, I just was hurt to lose Luka, man.” “Luka is just the chillest guy ever, bro. You just feel like his best friend from day one,” he added. “He’s just a great dude. Never mad, just always happy. And just a Hall of Fame flamethrower when it comes to basketball.” Marshall, who spent the 2024-25 season with the New Orleans Pelicans before being traded, played just 17 games with the Mavericks before the Doncic-Davis deal occurred. In that short span of time, the forward seemingly became close friends with the superstar, even admitting that the consequences of the trade did hurt him. Regardless, the 27-year-old will look forward to the upcoming season with Dallas. The outlook for the Mavericks even after the trade hasn't been the worst. With a superstar pairing of Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, alongside a gifted rookie in Cooper Flagg, Dallas is poised to be intriguing. Although injuries could be a setback, players like Marshall will be crucial in keeping Dallas afloat as impactful two-way contributors.
Three trade destinations for Nationals All-Star MacKenzie Gore
Since winning the World Series in 2019, the Washington Nationals have been one of the laughing stocks of MLB. The franchise has failed to make the postseason in each of the last five seasons, and at 41-61, that trend doesn't appear to be ending this year. The Nats are considered sellers with the July 31 trade deadline quickly approaching, and starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore is their most coveted asset. The fourth-year starter was a key return in the blockbuster trade that sent Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres in 2022. After two productive seasons that saw him steadily improve, Gore earned his first All-Star nod in 2025. With the Nationals heading nowhere again, though, it seems as though the franchise may capitalize on the 26-year-old's career-best trade value. He has a 3.52 ERA and 144 strikeouts across 117.2 innings in 21 starts. Gore has two more years of arbitration before hitting unrestricted free agency in 2028, so it won't be easy for rival teams to coax the talented lefty out of Washington. But with so many playoff hopefuls struggling with injuries in their rotations, one franchise is bound to pay up. Detroit Tigers After blazing through the first half of the season, the Detroit Tigers have struggled to just one win in their last 12 contests. While the team's ice-cold offense certainly hasn't helped, Detroit's rotation behind Tarik Skubal has left plenty to be desired. The Tigers boast one of baseball's premier farm systems, but with championship aspirations looming, it may be time to cash in on some of their most sought-after prospects. Gore would immediately bolster the Tigers' title hopes while giving them a legitimate second star in their rotation behind the AL Cy Young favorite. Boston Red Sox Another American League team with playoff aspirations, the Boston Red Sox didn't tear through the first half of the regular season in the same manner Detroit did. However, the team found new life after dealing Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants and is in the thick of the AL wild-card race. Pitching has been a strength for the Red Sox this season, but they, too, could use another All-Star arm behind their ace. Garrett Crochet has been a dominant force, while Brayan Bello has experienced a bit of a breakout in recent weeks. With the back end of their rotation struggling to find any semblance of consistency, Gore would be a sensible addition for the Sox. Chicago Cubs A championship contender with a lineup that strikes fear into their opponents every night, the Chicago Cubs' Achilles' heel could be their starting pitching. If they fail to mend the issue, that is. Matthew Boyd has been an unforeseen redemption story with the Cubs. Shota Imanaga has also held his own in his second full season, consistently pitching deep into games. However, the rest of the team's rotation is riddled with injury and inexperience. Cade Horton and Colin Rea are solid back-end starters, but neither inspires confidence for a potential playoff series. Gore has the potential to be a magnificent fit with Chicago and would create a formidable starting trio with Boyd and Imanaga. If there's one National League team to keep an eye on in trade talks for Gore, it's the Cubs.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
