Cooper Flagg enters the NBA as one of the most highly-anticipated players to enter the league out of college. This had NBA legend Paul Pierce give his explanation on why the Dallas Mavericks rookie would be the frontrunner for the league’s Rookie of the Year Award in the 2025-26 season.
The Mavericks unsurprisingly selected Flagg with the first pick of the 2025 NBA Draft on June 25. His freshman season at Duke University proved to many across the country that he was the real deal. This elevated him to every draft projection slating him at the top spot, which ended up going to Dallas.
Pierce gave his thoughts on Flagg’s expectations during a June 26 edition of FS1’s SPEAK. His outlook on the rookie is high, believing in his ability to be in the running for Rookie of the Year.
âMy expectation for him? I think heâs a lock for Rookie Of The Year. I think heâs gonna help Dallas push for a playoff spot, and his ceiling as a rookie? He can actually be an all-star in his rookie year. Thatâs how good this kid is,â Pierce said.
.@paulpierce34‘s expectations for Cooper Flagg:
“I think he’s a lock for Rookie Of The Year, he’s gonna help Dallas push for a playoff spot, and he can actually be an all-star his rookie year.” pic.twitter.com/0cVNsglVFR
â Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) June 26, 2025
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What Lies Ahead For Cooper Flagg, Mavericks
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 25: Cooper Flagg (R) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) after being drafted first overall by the Dallas Mavericks during the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 25, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
Cooper Flagg is only 18 years old, but the talent he showcased at Duke showed why the Mavericks picked him first overall without hesitation.
Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. He shot 48.1% from the field, including 38.5% from beyond the arc, and 84% from the free-throw line.
His efforts helped lead the Blue Devils to the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. They lost in the national semifinals to the Houston Cougars in heartbreaking fashion. Despite this setback, Flagg’s impact on the game was undeniable as one of the best young players in the country.
Flagg earned multiple national awards after his lone freshman campaign. He won National Player of the Year, All-American honors, ACC Player of the Year, and the Julius Erving Award.
Dallas finished with a 39-43 record as they reached the play-in tournament despite losing many games since the Doncic trade. They beat the Sacramento Kings in the first game, but saw their season end after losing to the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth and final playoff spot.
The Mavericks will look forward to how Flagg adjusts to life in the NBA. He will team up with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, the latter who will return later in the 2025-26 season as he rehabs a torn ACL.
Dallas went through significant change last season, sending franchise star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February. The trade saw their quality of play regress as they fell in the standings this past season. Despite that, the team will enter training camp with plenty of optimism for next season.
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