Former NBA Coach of the Year Avery Johnson expressed strong support for Cooper Flagg, stating he would prefer to build a team around the young prospect over Luka Doncic, the five-time All-NBA guard who led the Dallas Mavericks to last year’s NBA Finals. Johnson shared his opinion ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, highlighting the promise Flagg holds for the Mavericks’ future.
Johnson, who coached Dallas from 2004 to 2007 and achieved a 190-74 record along with multiple Coach of the Month honors, described the Mavericks’ outlook as bright, especially with Kyrie Irving expected to return to full health soon.
“Man, give me Cooper Flagg. This team is going to be tremendous once Kyrie Irving gets healthy,”
Johnson said.
“This team is gonna be built to be one of the best two-way teams in the league and they didn’t even have to really sacrifice any of their depth. … This is really exciting. The Mavericks’ future is bright.”
—Avery Johnson, Former NBA Coach of the Year
Johnson’s Track Record and Team History
During his time with the Mavericks, Johnson set the franchise record for the most wins in a single season with a 67-15 tally, earning an NBA Finals appearance. However, despite regular-season success, the team suffered early playoff exits, including a first-round defeat by Baron Davis and the “We Believe” Golden State Warriors, followed by another early exit that led to Johnson’s departure from the organization.
The High Expectations Surrounding Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg, a standout player from Duke University, has generated significant excitement ahead of the draft. His youth and skill set have positioned him as a transformative talent for the Mavericks’ rebuild. A photo captured by Getty Images shows Flagg in action at Cameron Indoor Stadium during a January game against NC State Wolfpack, underscoring his college impact.
Comparing Flagg to Luka Doncic’s Legacy
While Avery Johnson favors Flagg, it is important to recognize Luka Doncic’s accomplishments, which are already historic for a player just 25 years old. Doncic is widely regarded as a future first-ballot Hall of Famer, having achieved milestones rarely seen from someone his age. Despite this, the Mavericks traded Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this year, indicating a clear organizational shift toward new talent like Flagg.
Looking Ahead: Mavericks’ Future and Draft Implications
The Mavericks’ choice to move on from Doncic and focus on Cooper Flagg signals an exciting new chapter for the franchise. With Kyrie Irving’s return anticipated and Flagg ready to enter the league through the draft lottery, the team aims to build a strong, balanced squad capable of competing at a high level on both ends of the court. Fans and analysts alike will closely watch how this transition unfolds in the coming seasons.