Is Cooper Flagg a Future Dallas Mavericks Star?

The Dallas Mavericks’ 2024-25 NBA season ended with a thud. The Mavericks ultimately lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA Play-In Tournament. So, what are the next steps for the Mavericks? This offseason, Dallas lucked out in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery and subsequently selected Duke star Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Mavericks also added Brooklyn Nets star D’Angelo Russell.

Flagg, 18, was the prize after a wild season in Dallas, Texas. The Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. There has been a theory floating around on the internet: Would the Mavericks still trade Doncic for Davis, 32, and Flagg? Read on to find out.

Is Cooper Flagg a Future Dallas Mavericks Star?

Flagg is a 6-foot-9 forward who can do everything, from initiating the offense to elevating teammates. He is a Duke and Monteverde product. The 18-year-old is a winner on and off the court. The Mavericks’ signing of Russell as Kyrie Irving’s replacement is a rather curious decision. If the Mavericks are trying to build a team around Flagg, the team would surround a star player with similar teammates. Russell, 29, is a veteran point guard who can provide leadership, but the former second overall pick has never been an additive contributor on a team with significant title odds.

The Mavericks seem to see themselves as somewhat of a contender, as long as Irving, 33, returns. Davis has been delivering in defense, a possible response to GM Nico Harrison’s belief that “Defense wins championships.” Davis, Irving, and Klay Thompson can help the team position itself as a possible title contender.

Is Flagg Legit?

Flagg is widely regarded as a generational talent in the NBA. Flagg’s offensive process and ability to play high-level basketball at both ends of the floor raises the public’s expectations. Even the most casual NBA fans are aware of Flagg’s star power. The Newport, Maine native earned $4.8 million during his time at Duke, signed a multi-year sneaker deal with New Balance, and starred in New Balance’s new ad campaign.

However, Flagg may not be legit — at least not this season. There isn’t a definite timetable for Kyrie Irving’s return, and if Irving returns, there’s no guarantee that he’ll be the same player. The Mavericks can get healthy, but may not be considered as an elite Western Conference team. Flagg’s superstardom, Anthony Davis’s monster season, and other Mavericks’ contributions could elevate the Mavericks’ status, but it’s unlikely at the moment.

Final Thoughts

The Dallas Mavericks can have a goal to win a championship in the near future, but such a goal can conflict with the rookie’s development. Flagg can catch up to speed and chase an NBA Rookie of the Year award soon, similar to Doncic in 2019. The Mavericks might want to trade Anthony Davis. Thompson is still a contributor, while Dereck Lively II is expected to continue his development to establish himself as one of the NBA’s best rim-protecting and rim-running big men.

The Mavericks will welcome the Charlotte Hornets to the American Airlines Center on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Central. Dallas previously blew out the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, while Charlotte last hosted the Charlotte Hornets at the Paycom Center on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Central.