As the NBA season nears its conclusion, anticipation builds around the upcoming 2025–2026 offseason, spotlighting new talent expected to impact the league. Among these rising stars, Cooper Flagg stands out as the projected No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft, capturing attention with his standout performance at Duke University and his evolving mindset shaped in part by Boston Celtics’ star Jayson Tatum.
Flagg Reflects on Draft Process and Team Support
Flagg’s remarkable year with the Duke Blue Devils propelled him into national recognition, and with the Dallas Mavericks anticipated to select him, he recently shared insights about his draft experience on the Deep 3 podcast. He described the entire process as an exciting opportunity, emphasizing the unique support system around him:
“This whole opportunity has been super cool for me, and I think a lot of the guys would say the same thing.”
—Cooper Flagg
Flagg is not navigating the pre-draft environment alone; several Duke teammates, including Tyrese Proctor and Kon Knueppel, joined him at the draft camp. This companionship has helped ease the challenges of the experience, providing a familiar circle amid the pressures of the moment.
“I think having five of us here is a really cool experience. I don’t know how many times that’s happened.”
—Cooper Flagg
“But I think it’s a really cool experience for us, and being able to just hang out in the hotel together. To have people around that you are really comfortable with is really cool,”
Flagg added.
Versatility and Impact: Flagg’s Key Strengths on the Court
When asked about his favorite basketball skills, Flagg quickly pointed to his versatility, an attribute that has distinguished him throughout his career. His ability to contribute in various ways—beyond just scoring—makes him a valuable asset in any lineup.
“I would say the versatility aspect. Trying to make a lot of different winning plays and impact the game in more ways than just scoring. Trying to do it all at the same time at a high level.”
—Cooper Flagg
His capacity to draw multiple defenders and create open chances for teammates, paired with an efficient scoring ability from both post moves and perimeter shots, underscored his standout performance at Duke.
Jayson Tatum’s Influence on Flagg’s Winning Mindset
Among the players Flagg admires, Jayson Tatum holds a prominent place. Tatum’s championship success with the Boston Celtics aligns with Flagg’s lifelong support for the team from Beantown. The 18-year-old regarded Tatum’s wide-ranging skills as a guiding example for his own growth.
“Watching Tatum play, he’s very versatile as well,”
Flagg said during the interview.
Flagg also mentioned another versatile player he follows closely.
“Mikal Bridges, I like watching him play. He’s pretty versatile as well,”
Flagg noted, referring to the New York Knicks star.
Potential Fit with the Dallas Mavericks and Next Steps
Cooper Flagg’s style and emerging superstar potential appear to align well with the Dallas Mavericks’ roster, where he could join established players like Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. His addition may also ease fan concerns following the trade of Luka Doncic, offering a new hope for the franchise’s future success.
While expectations are high for Flagg to be selected first overall, the ultimate decision rests with Dallas, raising questions about their ability to fulfill the promise of this draft opportunity. Nonetheless, Flagg’s readiness and winning mentality—nurtured by influences like Jayson Tatum—position him as a promising presence in the league’s evolving landscape.