It's almost a foregone conclusion that Duke Star Cooper Flagg will be the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft.
After a standout freshman season, the hype for the 6-foot-8 forward has skyrocketed, and he is making a strong impression on some established NBA veterans.
During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, San Antonio Spurs point guard Chris Paul revealed he has been working out with the former Blue Devil and had high praise for him.
"I'm just like everybody else: I'm a fan," Paul said. "I was at home in L.A., and I was watching the ping-pong balls like everybody, and when I saw the Spurs pop into the top four, we were going crazy. Guys on my team (in the) group chat, we were like, 'What is about to happen?' I'm in L.A. right now, and Cooper Flagg has been out there. I've been in the gym with him a couple of times, or whatnot. He is as real as advertised."
Flagg shined during his lone season at Duke, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 steals, cementing himself as one of the most exciting prospects in some time.
The Mavs made a surprising leap in the lottery to claim the No.1 overall pick this year. It was the silver lining for was a turbulent season. They finished 39-43 last season, eventually being eliminated by the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA play-in.
The season was also defined by a blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
Taking Flagg in this year's draft would signal a new era in Dallas. The 18-year-old phenom is widely regarded as a generational talent and as something that would have some help in his rookie season. Anthony Davis, along with Kyrie Irving, is likely to be out for most of the 2025-26 season.
Mavericks fans have plenty to be excited about next season, and Flagg is a significant reason why.