Mavs Eyeing the Next Superstar? Cooper Flagg Could Be Dallas’ Game-Changer

With Kyrie Irving ruled out for the season, the Dallas Mavericks may be subtly shifting their focus toward the upcoming NBA Draft. Sitting at the 10th seed with injuries piling up and no realistic championship aspirations, Dallas still retains its first-round pick—potentially putting them in the mix for the highly coveted Cooper Flagg.

Flagg, projected to go No. 1 overall, has dominated in his freshman season at Duke, leading the team in nearly every statistical category: 19.6 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.2 BPG in 30.8 MPG. His elite defensive instincts align perfectly with GM Nico Harrison’s long-term vision. A core featuring Flagg alongside Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and Anthony Davis (if Dallas acquires him) could form a defensive juggernaut. Add in offensive mentorship from veterans like Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, and the Mavericks could be setting up a promising future. Could a strategic tanking move be in play?