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3 Reasons Why The Dallas Mavericks Won The 2025 NBA Draft

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Benjamin Yu | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 8:00 AM ET

After going through teams like the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers, it is time to talk about the Dallas Mavericks. Despite trading away Luka Doncic to LA, Dallas secured itself an incredible prospect in Duke forward Cooper Flagg. Unquestionably, Flagg is a versatile, two-way wing who has the potential to be an All-NBA caliber player in the future. He clearly demonstrated his potential in college and during the short time he played in Summer League.

Flagg can be the star to help take Dallas back to the NBA Finals while fitting into general manager Nico Harrison’s vision of team-building. Let’s dive into the three reasons why the Dallas Mavericks won the 2025 NBA Draft.

3 Reasons Why The Dallas Mavericks Won The 2025 NBA Draft

#1: Captured The Flagg

To be frank, the clearest reason why the Mavericks won the draft is that they got the opportunity to draft Flagg. The Mavericks were bailed out of their bizarre decision to trade away a superstar in their prime. Before the lottery, their future were in serious doubt as both Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving are on the older side. Not only that, but neither has led a team to the Finals. In short, they cut their window for championship contention significantly. By getting Flagg, that window has fully opened up again, and now they have hope for the future.

In terms of Flagg’s overall talent, he has all the skills and upside necessary to be an all-around star. To be sure, he does have stuff to work on, particularly his ball-handling. Nevertheless, Flagg has shown that he can be extremely impactful on both ends of the floor. He can score in a variety of ways and leverage that scoring to be an excellent playmaker. On the other hand, the versatility he provides will help the Mavericks be a top-10 defense in the league. There’s no question Flagg falling into the Mavs’ lap is the biggest reason for their success.

#2: Defense Wins Championships

It is difficult to talk about Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks without discussing defense. Certainly, Flagg can be a significant part of the championship-winning defense that Dallas wants to build. The six-foot-nine forward has the versatility to guard multiple positions. His basketball IQ is on full display in terms of his cerebral defensive playmaking and decision-making on the defensive end. In particular, Flagg demonstrates tremendous feel for when to be disruptive in the passing lanes. Furthermore, his ability to anticipate when to rotate for blocks is another elite skill of his.

Most importantly, Flagg consistently competes on every defensive possession and will always try to make an impact. Drafting a player who is an elite defender and someone who can make All-Defensive teams will certainly help in building the defensive culture that the Mavericks want.

#3: Formidable Frontcourt

Lastly, getting Flagg and adding him to a frontcourt with Davis and Dereck Lively II is an immense win for Dallas. The three of them together will create an insane defensive trio that can contend with the best defensive lineups in the league. Not only will Flagg fit with Davis and Lively, but he can also create an excellent two-way tandem with PJ Washington as well. Both players can provide excellent defense on the wings while also providing value on offense. Flagg is an incredible fit in Dallas’s frontcourt rotation on both ends of the floor.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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