The Dallas Mavericks’ selection of Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft has sparked fresh optimism about the franchise’s postseason prospects. After a tumultuous 2024-25 season that saw them miss the playoffs following a deep Finals run the year before, the question on everyone’s mind is: Will Flagg lead the Mavericks back to the playoffs?
Flagg, a 19-year-old forward out of Duke, was a surprise lottery winner, with Dallas securing the top pick despite just a 1.8% chance. His arrival marks a new chapter for a Mavericks team that underwent significant changes last season, most notably trading Luka Dončić to the Lakers for Anthony Davis a move that shocked fans and analysts alike. The team finished 39-43, qualifying only for the play-in tournament, where they fell short after a loss to Memphis.
Cooper Flagg’s potential is undeniable. As a versatile wing with a strong defensive presence and a developing offensive game, he fits well alongside the Mavericks’ core. Head coach Jason Kidd, himself a former high draft pick for Dallas, has expressed confidence in Flagg’s ability to contribute early. The hope is that Flagg’s energy and skillset will complement veterans like Anthony Davis and the returning Kyrie Irving, who missed much of last season due to a torn ACL but is expected back early in the 2025-26 campaign.
Irving’s return is a critical factor in Dallas’ playoff hopes. The nine-time All-Star’s scoring and playmaking could alleviate pressure on Flagg and Davis, creating a balanced attack. Irving’s recent contract extension through 2028 signals the franchise’s commitment to building around this trio. Meanwhile, Davis, despite injury setbacks, has shown flashes of dominance, scoring 12 points on 6-for-9 shooting in his return last season before another injury sidelined him. His presence in the paint remains vital for Dallas’ defensive and offensive schemes.
Despite these promising pieces, the Mavericks face a challenging Western Conference landscape. Oddsmakers currently give Dallas a 3.23% chance to win the NBA Championship and rank them with the 11th-shortest odds, reflecting a team in transition but with potential to compete. The Mavericks’ playoff odds have yet to be fully released, but experts project a competitive season given the roster’s talent and depth.
Dallas’ front office has worked to bolster the roster around its young core, signing D’Angelo Russell to a two-year deal and adding depth with the recent draft. The addition of Cooper Flagg is expected to inject youthful energy and versatility, which could be the difference-maker in close games. However, the team must overcome chemistry questions and the lingering impact of last season’s upheaval to realize its postseason ambitions.
In sum, while Cooper Flagg’s arrival is a beacon of hope, the Mavericks’ return to playoff contention will hinge on several factors: Irving’s health and integration, Davis’ ability to stay on the court, and how quickly Flagg adapts to the NBA’s pace and physicality. As analyst Robert B. Hayek noted, “The Mavericks look to keep everyone intact to return to the NBA Playoffs,” but the path will require resilience and cohesion.
If Flagg can develop into a reliable two-way player and the veterans stay healthy, Dallas could not only make the playoffs but become a dangerous contender in the West. For now, the Mavericks and their fans are cautiously optimistic that the No. 1 pick will be the catalyst for a new era of success.
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