Cooper Flagg Goes No. 1: Can the Mavericks’ New Star Replace Luka Dončić?

By Edcel Panganiban June 29, 2025 14:15

The Dallas Mavericks made a bold statement at the 2025 NBA Draft by selecting Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick, their first top selection since Mark Aguirre in 1981. This move came just months after the franchise shocked the basketball world by trading away Luka Dončić, the face of the franchise and a perennial All-Star. Now, all eyes are on Flagg, a Duke phenom hailed as one of the best prospects of the last decade, to see if he can fill the enormous void left by Luka.

Flagg's selection ended speculation that the Mavericks might trade the pick, signaling the team's commitment to building around this new talent. Many scouts and executives consider Flagg the second-best prospect in recent memory, trailing only Victor Wembanyama. Unlike many prospects with sky-high ceilings but uncertain readiness, Flagg is praised for his NBA readiness and floor, making him a rare and valuable asset.

Comparisons to NBA greats abound. Flagg himself has drawn parallels between his game and that of Kawhi Leonard, citing his defensive prowess and two-way potential. “I’d like to think I could be like Kawhi,” Flagg said confidently before the draft. “You’re just a good talent. I don’t know if I am or not but my friends say someone like that as well.” Leonard’s early career trajectory, marked by elite defense and a steadily improving offense, mirrors what many expect from Flagg.

Other executives have likened Flagg to Scottie Pippen, highlighting his defensive versatility and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. However, the Mavericks no longer have their “Michael Jordan” in Luka Doncic, making Flagg’s role different. While fans dream of the potential pairing of Luka and Flagg imagine Doncic’s pick-and-roll mastery setting up Flagg for dunks and threes the reality is Flagg must now carve his own path as the new franchise cornerstone.

Statistically, Flagg’s college career at Duke showcased his impact beyond the box score. Despite occasional off shooting nights, like the one against Alabama in the Elite Eight, Flagg’s overall offensive feel and defensive IQ stood out. His ability to influence games without dominating the ball is reminiscent of Jayson Tatum’s early years, another forward who overcame shooting doubts to become a star.

The pressure of succeeding Luka Doncic is undeniable, but Flagg approaches it with a grounded mindset. “I wouldn’t look at anything as pressure,” he said ahead of the draft. “I’m not worried about living up to certain players’ expectations or things like that. I’m just going to be myself and really try to get better every single day that I can.” This maturity bodes well for his transition to the NBA and the leadership role he is expected to assume.

For the Mavericks, Flagg represents a new chapter. The team’s roster now features elite veterans like Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis alongside this generational talent, creating a promising blend of experience and youth. While fans may still harbor “what if” thoughts about Luka, the excitement around Flagg’s ceiling and two-way impact offers a fresh sense of optimism.

Cooper Flagg is not Luka Dončić, nor is he expected to be a carbon copy. Instead, he brings a unique skill set centered on elite defense, basketball IQ, and steady offensive growth. If his trajectory mirrors that of Kawhi Leonard or Scottie Pippen, the Mavericks could have found a star capable of leading them back to championship contention. The journey ahead will be closely watched, but Dallas’ faith in Flagg signals their belief that he can be the franchise’s new cornerstone for years to come.