Cooper Flagg Shares Exciting Release Before Rookie Season With Dallas Mavericks

Flagg’s Path from High School to the NBA

Flagg’s rise has been followed closely since his high school days in Maine, where his dunks, shot-blocking, and basketball IQ made him one of the most hyped prospects in the country. He later transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida, where he played against elite national competition and established himself as the top player in the 2024 class. By reclassifying a year up, he sped up his timeline to college and eventually the NBA.

Flagg committed to Duke University, where he played one season under head coach Jon Scheyer. At Duke, he was trusted with the ball in his hands and proved he could create plays for himself and others. That experience prepared him for the expectations of the NBA. His all-around game and competitiveness drew constant comparisons to veteran NBA stars long before draft night.

Drafted First Overall by the Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks entered the 2025 draft with slim lottery odds but landed the top pick and selected Flagg first overall. General Manager Nico Harrison and head coach Jason Kidd quickly praised the selection as a perfect fit for both the present and the future of the franchise. Kidd, a Hall of Fame point guard, even tested Flagg at Summer League by letting him run the offense, pushing him to expand his skill set.

Flagg joins a veteran Mavericks roster with championship dreams, a rare situation for a No. 1 pick. Instead of being asked to completely carry the load for a rebuilding team, he will be able to learn hand in hand with seasoned players on a contender.

SLAM Cover Marks Next Step

Appearing on the cover of SLAM is another milestone for Flagg. The magazine has long been known for spotlighting stars on the rise, and Flagg now joins a list of NBA icons who graced its pages before becoming household names. The SLAM 258 release shows off not only his talent but also the excitement building in Dallas and around the league.

With his official debut set for October, Flagg is entering the NBA with hype, skill, and now the validation of being featured on one of basketball’s most iconic publications. The Mavericks open up the 2025 season at home against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, Oct. 22.