The Dallas Mavericks are set to make history with the No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft, opening the door for them to select standout player Cooper Flagg. Flagg’s remarkable season at Duke, during which he averaged 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, has cemented his status as the top prospect, especially following his Naismith National Player of the Year award and a pivotal role in leading Duke to the Final Four.
In addition to Flagg, there are other notable players vying for high selections. Dylan Harper, who played for Rutgers, showcased impressive stats with 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and four assists per game, while Ace Bailey also made headlines with his performance, averaging 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.
Kevin O’Connor, a prominent NBA draft analyst from Yahoo Sports, mentions that this year’s draft class is notably stronger than last year’s, which featured less consensus on the top picks, ultimately allowing the Hawks to choose French player Zaccharie Risacher. This year seems different, with Flagg being widely regarded as the key draw in the selection process.
The 2025 NBA Draft is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, with coverage on ABC and ESPN starting at 8 p.m. ET. The second round will take place the following night and will also be broadcast on ESPN.
Other key players in contention include Flagg’s Duke teammate, Kon Knueppel, and Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, along with Tre Johnson from Texas, emphasizing the depth of talent available this draft season.
In terms of draft order, the Mavericks lead a lineup that includes the San Antonio Spurs at No. 2 and the Philadelphia 76ers at No. 3. The draft process has become particularly interesting surrounding prospects like Ace Bailey, who has faced scrutiny due to limited team interactions, forcing teams to speculate about his potential draft positioning.
An interesting note: The second round will feature only 29 selections, a reduction caused by the New York Knicks forfeiting their No. 56 overall pick due to tampering violations.
Overall, the upcoming draft presents an exciting opportunity for teams, particularly the Mavericks, as they look to build a promising future with fresh talent. Flagg’s selection could significantly impact the franchise, providing hope for the Mavericks’ fans eager for a resurgence in competitive performance.