How Will the Mavericks Build Around Cooper Flagg?

By Edcel Panganiban June 29, 2025 14:16

Cooper Flagg’s arrival as the Dallas Mavericks’ No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft marks a pivotal moment for a franchise in transition. After trading away Luka Dončić in a blockbuster deal for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and future assets, the Mavericks are poised to rebuild around Flagg’s unique blend of youth, skill, and versatility. The question now is: how will Dallas construct a roster that maximizes Flagg’s potential and accelerates the team’s return to contention?

Building Around a Versatile Forward

Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward with a 7-foot wingspan, is widely regarded as a generational talent whose skill set fits the modern NBA’s demand for versatility on both ends of the floor. His ability to score, rebound, facilitate, and defend multiple positions gives Dallas a foundational piece to build around. As Mavericks GM Nico Harrison put it, Flagg is “a once-in-a-lifetime chance” to reshape the franchise’s future.

Current Core and Supporting Cast

The Mavericks’ current roster features a mix of veterans and young players, with Anthony Davis anchoring the frontcourt and Kyrie Irving expected to return from injury next season. Davis, despite recent injury setbacks, remains a dominant presence, averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds in limited action last season. Irving, while holding a player option and recovering from an ACL injury, provides scoring and playmaking when healthy.

Young talents like Max Christie and Dereck Lively II offer promising complementary pieces. Christie, a guard with defensive prowess, averaged 11.2 points and 4.2 rebounds in his rookie season, while Lively, a 7-foot center, contributed 8.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. These players, alongside veterans like Klay Thompson and P.J. Washington, create a roster with a blend of experience and youth.

Strategic Priorities: Health, Development, and Flexibility

The Mavericks’ recent injury woes including Davis, Irving, and Lively underscored the importance of health in building a competitive team. Ensuring Flagg’s development in a stable environment with adequate support will be critical. The front office must balance veteran presence with flexibility to add shooters and defenders who fit Flagg’s style.

Given Flagg’s playmaking ability and defensive versatility, Dallas will likely prioritize acquiring wing defenders and floor spacers to surround him. Players like Naji Marshall and Caleb Martin, who averaged 13.2 and 5.4 points respectively last season, could fill valuable roles if they continue to develop. Additionally, the Mavericks have future draft assets, including a 2029 first-round pick acquired from the Lakers, to facilitate trades or draft complementary talent.

The “Duke Plan” and Leadership

Flagg’s Duke pedigree aligns with a broader Mavericks strategy of blending proven NBA veterans with high-upside young players from elite college programs. The presence of Kyrie Irving, a seasoned All-Star, offers leadership and scoring to ease Flagg’s transition to the NBA. As Flagg integrates into the rotation, the Mavericks will lean on Irving’s experience to mentor the rookie and stabilize the backcourt.

Building around Cooper Flagg means constructing a roster that leverages his multifaceted game while addressing the Mavericks’ immediate needs for health, shooting, and defense. With a core featuring Anthony Davis’s interior dominance, Kyrie Irving’s playmaking, and promising young pieces like Max Christie and Dereck Lively II, Dallas has a foundation to support Flagg’s rise. The front office’s challenge will be to maintain roster flexibility and surround Flagg with the right mix of talent to accelerate the team’s return to playoff relevance.