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Cooper Flagg reacts to Dallas Mavericks landing No. 1 overall pick

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh05/12/25griffin_mcveigh
Cooper Flagg
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The NBA world was stunned on Monday after the Dallas Mavericks won the Draft Lottery. Just months after trading away Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, another franchise-altering player will be heading to Dallas. Nothing is official but Cooper Flagg is almost assuredly going to be drafted No. 1 overall by the Mavericks.

Rolando Blackman was there the represent the Mavs and was all smiles. As for Flagg himself, not so much. Not much of a reaction came from the Duke star, keeping a straight face while slowly clapping.

His reaction has gone viral on social media as a result. Usually, the NBA Draft Lottery is where presumed No. 1 overall picks celebrate, figuring out where their professional careers begin. You can check out the full moment here.

Before officially being taken by the Mavericks, plenty of questions will be asked of Flagg about the franchise. At some point, we will know his excitement level about potentially playing in Dallas. But based on first impressions, it’s easy to wonder.

More on projected No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg

Flagg played high school basketball at Montverde Academy (VA), where he was a Five-Star Plus+ prospect. However, Flagg is originally from Newport, ME. He was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

A ton of hype followed him from high school to college, even after reclassifying up. Flagg won the Wooden Award, along with being a Consensus All-American, ACC Player of the Year, and making the All-NCAA Tournament team.

Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists throughout his 37 games played. He shot just over 48% from the field and 38.5% from three. An excellent defender is on his way to the NBA too, as Flagg was named ACC All-Defensive team.

“I think he’s the most complete freshman that Duke has had in basketball history,” Duke legend Jay Williams said after the Sweet Sixteen. “I, I do. I think he is, by far, the best college basketball player in the game today, by far, because he does it on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he’s everywhere. Offensively, he’s a playmaker…Because of how he plays, he’s just a complete, all-around spectacular player. Duke is a great team but, obviously, this dude is just, he’s built differently than a lot of people I’ve seen.”