Apr 4, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) during a practice session for the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

'They are More Than a Touch Overrated' – Dallas Mavericks Hit With Harsh Take by Nick Wright After Drafting Cooper Flagg

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 12:49 PM ET

FS1 analyst Nick Wright is not sold on the Dallas Mavericks ahead of the 2025-26 season, even after they selected Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick in last night’s NBA Draft.

Wright argued that the Dallas Mavericks might ask too much from Cooper Flagg on both ends of the floor, especially since Kyrie Irving remains sidelined by a torn ACL.

“I think right now they are more than a touch overrated. I do not care how good you are, what your profile is. In the modern NBA, in particular, rookies that have to be the focal point of the team’s offense do not contribute to winning. They just don’t,” Wright explained on his podcast.

“If LeBron James And Kevin Garnett Had a Baby”: Cooper Flagg Gets Wild NBA Comparison From Former Champion 4 Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) walks off the court after losing to the Houston Cougars in the semifinals of the men’s Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

“Until Kyrie comes back, you’re going to be asking your primary ball handler and creator to be an 18-year-old. I love Flagg’s upside because of his age, but he’s 18. I don’t think in (2025-26), the Mavs are a contender,” he concluded.

Dallas Mavericks News: Cooper Flagg forced to address “conspiracy theory” during post-draft press conference

Many conspiracy theorists believe that the NBA rigged the draft lottery to allow the Dallas Mavericks to take Cooper Flagg, despite having only a 1.8% chance of nabbing the top selection.

Mar 13, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets guard Jaeden Mustaf (3) chase the loose ball during the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

When it was brought up during the post-draft press conference, Flagg was caught off guard as he answered the question about the Dallas Mavericks.

“No, I don’t know what to say about that,” Flagg said. “I have no insider information, if that’s what you’re looking for. I just feel blessed for the way it all worked out.”