Cooper Flagg, heralded as the top American basketball prospect since Anthony Davis in 2012, was chosen first overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night. Discussion has quickly surrounded Flagg’s potential, highlighting his readiness and contrasting it with Victor Wembanyama’s rookie experience. Former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers boldly declared that Flagg might significantly influence winning more than Wembanyama, the standout first pick from 2023.
Many analysts and insiders are echoing Myers’ sentiment, believing Flagg’s immediate impact on team success could eclipse that of Wembanyama’s inaugural season, despite the latter’s lofty ceiling and widespread acclaim as a generational talent.
Insights from Former Warriors GM Bob Myers on Flagg and Wembanyama
Bob Myers, now an NBA analyst, shared a striking opinion on ESPN regarding Flagg’s prospects compared to Wembanyama’s rookie year:
“I’m gonna say something that might be controversial: Victor Wembanyama got a lot of attention being the #1 pick. I could see Cooper Flagg impacting winning more than Victor did in his rookie year–The reason is Cooper Flagg is as NBA-ready as they come.”
This perspective stands out considering Wembanyama’s impressive rookie stats, which included averages of 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals across 71 games. However, the San Antonio Spurs finished with a struggling 22-60 record, underscoring team challenges despite his personal performance.
Flagg’s exceptional collegiate statistics underpin this outlook. Leading Duke University in multiple categories, he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game during his freshman year. Although he did not secure the NCAA championship, Flagg’s impressive all-around skills cemented his status as the top draft pick, tasked now with elevating the Dallas Mavericks alongside star players like Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, and Kyrie Irving. His coach, Jason Kidd, has expressed high confidence in the young forward’s potential.
ESPN Analyst Predicts Flagg’s Rookie Season Could Rival Mavericks Legends
Tim MacMahon, an ESPN reporter closely following the Dallas Mavericks, predicted that Cooper Flagg could surpass notable franchise rookies during his debut season. Appearing on the show First Take, MacMahon compared Flagg’s expected influence to that of Luka Doncic, emphasizing the magnitude of Flagg’s arrival.
Rookie of the Year, a top-two rookie season in Mavericks franchise history. The kind of campaign by a teenager that makes it crystal clear (that) this is a dude that you build around for a generation to come. And never, ever, even remotely, consider trading him.
Tim MacMahon said
Flagg’s readiness and versatility have drawn comparisons to some of the finest young talents in NBA history. Notably, he is the second-youngest number one draft pick after LeBron James, further highlighting the immense expectations placed on him. The combination of Flagg with seasoned veterans like Davis and Irving projects a high ceiling for the Mavericks’ future. Even the legendary Coach K has spoken highly of Flagg, underscoring the widespread belief in his potential to shape the franchise’s direction.
Cooper Flagg’s Ambitions and Mindset Following Draft Selection
Immediately after being picked first overall, Flagg’s focus was clear; his goal is to win championships, starting with the Dallas Mavericks. He embraced the pressure of being a top pick and expressed a desire to match historic rookie success like that of Magic Johnson, who famously won a title in his debut season.
Of course, yeah. My mindset has always been to be a winner, so I’m going to try to win as hard as I can everywhere I go. I’m looking forward to being successful and winning a lot of games, for sure.
Cooper Flagg told the media
Flagg’s determination to excel places him among rare company, as only a handful of rookies have won NBA titles in their first seasons. Although the Mavericks are not the favored team to claim the 2025-26 championship outright, their renewed roster depth and Flagg’s presence have made them serious contenders for postseason success. With that comes significant scrutiny and expectations for the 18-year-old rookie, who will need to acclimate quickly to the NBA’s demands.
Comparisons with Victor Wembanyama’s Rookie Campaign and Team Context
Victor Wembanyama’s rookie year set impressive individual benchmarks with his dominant statistics for the rebuilding Spurs, yet his team’s performance limited his immediate impact on wins. Flagg’s path appears different as his NBA readiness and complementary teammates on the Mavericks may enhance his ability to contribute to victories more directly.
This contrast has fueled debates about their respective rookie impacts, with many insiders leaning toward Flagg’s upside in team success despite Wembanyama’s higher long-term potential. Both players represent transformative talents in their own right, but Flagg’s situation may enable him to showcase his skills in a more winning environment early on.
What Lies Ahead for Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg’s entry into the NBA has generated significant excitement, with many expecting him to help rejuvenate the Dallas Mavericks and contend for championships. His established skill set, combined with the leadership of veteran stars and a respected coach in Jason Kidd, positions him to make an immediate difference.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Flagg to see if he can live up to the lofty expectations and potentially surpass the rookie impact made by his predecessor Victor Wembanyama. His success could shape not only the Mavericks’ fortunes but also the narrative around the 2025 NBA Draft class and its place within league history.