The question of “what team is Cooper Flagg on” now has a clear answer: as of October 23, 2025, the talented young forward is a member of the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Maine-born basketball sensation has quickly become one of the most talked-about rookies in years, bringing fresh energy and excitement to the Mavericks franchise.
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From College Sensation to NBA No. 1 Pick
Cooper Flagg, born December 21, 2006, in Newport, Maine, made headlines during his freshman season at Duke University in 2024–25. Standing at 6-foot-9, Flagg dominated both ends of the court, averaging impressive numbers and leading the Blue Devils deep into the NCAA Tournament. His combination of athleticism, defensive instincts, and basketball IQ made him one of the most complete prospects in college basketball.
After just one year at Duke, Flagg declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, where he was widely projected to go first overall. That projection came true when the Dallas Mavericks selected him with the No. 1 overall pick on June 25, 2025. Just a week later, he signed his rookie contract and officially joined the Mavericks roster, marking the beginning of his professional career.
What Team Is Cooper Flagg On – The Dallas Mavericks
To directly answer the key phrase: Cooper Flagg is on the Dallas Mavericks.
He currently plays as a forward for the Mavericks, a team competing in the NBA’s Western Conference and based in Dallas, Texas. The organization, led by head coach Jason Kidd, has placed high expectations on Flagg as they enter a new era of development and rebuilding. His addition gives the Mavericks a dynamic young star with the potential to transform the team’s identity for years to come.
Flagg’s Role, Expectations, and Early Signs
Although the 2025–26 regular season is just beginning, early glimpses of Cooper Flagg’s abilities have already drawn national attention. In Summer League play, he impressed fans and analysts alike with his all-around skill set. He showed his ability to handle the ball, create plays for teammates, and score in a variety of ways.
Coach Kidd and the Mavericks’ development staff have emphasized giving Flagg real responsibility early in his rookie journey. During the offseason, he was tasked with bringing the ball up the floor and helping initiate the offense—rare for a forward of his age and size. This indicates that Dallas sees him as more than a scorer; they view him as a potential playmaking leader who can operate across multiple positions.
His defensive instincts also stood out. Flagg displayed exceptional anticipation, quick hands, and the ability to guard multiple positions, from shooting guards to power forwards. In just a few games, he made highlight-reel plays that reinforced why scouts consider him one of the most complete two-way prospects in recent NBA history.
Why Dallas Chose Cooper Flagg
The Mavericks entered the 2025 NBA Draft with slim odds of landing the No. 1 overall pick. When the lottery results unexpectedly placed them first, it was a franchise-altering moment. Dallas wasted no time identifying Flagg as their future cornerstone.
Several key factors influenced their choice:
- Elite versatility: Flagg can play both forward spots, handle the ball like a guard, and protect the rim like a big man.
- High basketball IQ: His understanding of spacing, defensive rotations, and offensive flow is advanced for his age.
- Work ethic and maturity: Coaches and teammates have praised his professionalism and focus from the first day of training camp.
- Fit with team vision: Dallas aims to develop a roster built around versatility, pace, and defense—qualities Flagg naturally brings.
Timeline of Cooper Flagg’s Rise
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2024–25 | Starred as a freshman at Duke University |
| April 2025 | Declared for the 2025 NBA Draft |
| June 25, 2025 | Selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Mavericks |
| July 2, 2025 | Signed rookie contract with the Mavericks |
| July 2025 | Impressed in NBA Summer League |
| October 2025 | Officially entered Mavericks roster for the 2025–26 season |
Impact on the Dallas Mavericks
The arrival of Cooper Flagg marks a turning point for the Mavericks organization. Fans in Dallas have long awaited a young player who could carry the franchise into the future, and Flagg’s arrival fulfills that hope. His combination of energy, humility, and leadership has already made a strong impression in the locker room.
Flagg’s style complements the Mavericks’ existing core, bringing a new defensive anchor and secondary playmaker. His versatility allows Dallas to experiment with different lineups—small-ball units that emphasize speed and spacing, or bigger lineups built on defense and rebounding.
Early training camp reports suggest that the Mavericks plan to integrate him gradually, giving him meaningful minutes alongside veterans while managing his workload to ensure long-term success. Still, the excitement surrounding his debut is palpable across the league.
Off the Court: A Mature Mindset
Despite the attention, Flagg has remained grounded. Known for his quiet confidence and mature approach, he’s consistently credited his family and coaches for keeping him focused. Those close to him note that he prefers to let his work speak for itself.
His strong mental approach is one of the reasons analysts believe he can handle the pressure that comes with being a No. 1 pick in a major market like Dallas. He’s already become a fan favorite, with young supporters showing up to preseason events wearing his jersey and chanting his name.
A New Chapter for Dallas
The Mavericks’ decision to draft Flagg represents more than just acquiring a talented rookie—it’s a commitment to long-term vision. The franchise is retooling around youth, athleticism, and high basketball IQ. With Flagg at the center of that plan, Dallas hopes to return to playoff contention and eventually championship form.
If Flagg’s early performances are any indication, the Mavericks may have found a player capable of defining the next decade of their basketball identity. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways—scoring, defending, facilitating—makes him the kind of all-around player that teams dream of building around.
Conclusion
So, for fans still wondering what team is Cooper Flagg on, the answer is clear: Cooper Flagg plays for the Dallas Mavericks, entering his rookie NBA season with expectations as high as his potential. The journey from Maine to Dallas has been fast, but Flagg’s focus, discipline, and drive suggest he’s ready for the challenge.
Basketball fans everywhere will be watching closely to see how this rising star shapes the future of the Mavericks—and possibly the league itself.