Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg joins LeBron and Iverson with iconic milestone

From Maine to Dallas: the rise of Cooper Flagg

Flagg's journey has been under the spotlight for years. Growing up in Maine, he made waves with his dunking ability, defensive instincts, and polished all-around game. His move to Montverde Academy in Florida only amplified the hype, as he dominated against the best high school competition in the nation.

After reclassifying to speed up his path to the NBA, Flagg committed to Duke University, where he played one season under Jon Scheyer. At Duke, he showcased his ability to create for himself and others, drawing comparisons to established NBA stars long before draft night.

Dallas Mavericks win the lottery with Flagg

The Mavericks had only slim odds at the top pick in 2025 but lucked out and drafted Flagg first overall. General Manager Nico Harrison and head coach Jason Kidd wasted no time praising the selection.

Kidd even tested Flagg during Summer League by giving him chances to run the offense, a challenge that highlighted both his versatility and poise.

Unlike many No. 1 picks who join rebuilding teams, Flagg steps into a unique situation. Dallas is a contender, with veterans ready to chase a championship. That means Flagg can develop without the pressure of carrying the franchise from day one, making his rookie season even more intriguing.

Appearing on the cover of SLAM has become a rite of passage for the NBA's biggest stars. From Allen Iverson to LeBron James, the magazine has spotlighted players destined for greatness. With Flagg now on SLAM 258, it's clear he's being positioned as the league's next face.

I think this SLAM cover is more than just a photo shoot, it's a statement that Cooper Flagg isn't just Dallas's future, he's one of the NBA's biggest stories heading into 2025-26.