Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks‘ forward and No. 1 pick in the 2025 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA draft, is gaining widespread recognition as a remarkably well-rounded player. As the Mavericks look to rebuild after trading star guard Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers, Flagg is positioned to become the franchise’s new cornerstone, impressing fans and analysts alike with his versatility and skill set.
NBA veteran Blake Griffin spoke extensively about Flagg’s potential during a recent appearance on the show Post Moves with Candace Parker and Aliyah Boston. Griffin praised Flagg as one of the most complete top draft picks in recent years, highlighting the young player’s all-around abilities on the court.
Blake Griffin Highlights Flagg’s Versatility and Growth Potential
Griffin emphasized that while Flagg still has room to develop, his current skill set is already exceptional. He pointed out Flagg’s ability to pass, shoot, defend, and rebound, making him a multifaceted threat at the professional level. Griffin also stressed that Flagg’s character adds to his appeal, noting the forward’s team-first attitude and maturity.
“I think he is the most complete player that we’ve seen come into the NBA in recent memory. I’m not saying he doesn’t have room to grow — he still has a ton of room to grow — but he passes, shoots, defends (and) rebounds,” —Blake Griffin
“He seems like a great teammate (and) a great kid. There is, like, what’s the red flag? Which is really exciting for basketball to have these young guys. … Cooper is just able to play and guard so many different positions.” —Blake Griffin
Comparison with Victor Wembanyama Shows Flagg’s Unique Edge
While acknowledging the talents of San Antonio Spurs‘ Victor Wembanyama, Griffin suggested that Flagg’s ability to guard multiple positions gives him an advantage. Wembanyama, who stands 7-foot-3, has been widely recognized for his nearly flawless game and impressive rookie season, finishing as the Defensive Player of the Year runner-up. Despite Wembanyama’s size and skills, Griffin believes Flagg’s versatility will make a profound impact in the league.
Irving’s Injury Opens Opportunity for Cooper Flagg’s Development
Kyrie Irving will miss a significant portion of the 2025-26 NBA season due to a torn ACL, sidelining the veteran guard and altering the team’s dynamics. NBA analyst Dave Jacoby discussed the potential impact of Irving’s absence on Flagg during an episode of The Mismatch podcast, suggesting that this unfortunate injury might inadvertently support Flagg’s growth.
“Kyrie getting injured is a terrible, terrible, awful thing for all basketball fans, but for the development of Cooper Flagg, I think it actually is helpful,” —Dave Jacoby
Jacoby explained that without Irving needing to carry the team immediately, Flagg will have more opportunities to develop his understanding of the game and build chemistry without the pressure of competing at full force. This developmental window could be crucial for the rookie to adapt and refine his skills.
Looking Ahead: Flagg’s Role in the Mavericks’ Future
As the Mavericks transition into a new era post-Doncic, Cooper Flagg stands out as a beacon of hope for the franchise’s future. His complete skill set and maturity suggest he could become one of the NBA’s defining players in the coming years. The combination of Griffin’s endorsement and the current team circumstances places Flagg in an ideal environment to maximize his potential.
With positive momentum building around the young forward, basketball fans will be watching closely to see if Cooper Flagg most complete top pick lives up to the high expectations and becomes the face of the Dallas Mavericks’ resurgence.