Cooper Flagg was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday as the No. 1 overall pick at the 2025 NBA Draft. This was not surprising, as the franchise won the NBA Draft lottery last month. This meant that the Mavericks had the opportunity to draft Flagg first, and that’s what happened. The team’s fans may be in relief landing Flagg after going through a shocking trade of star player Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Or maybe, the oft-scrutinized trade even looks better after the recent draft pick? It seems like they have found their next superstar within months of letting go of Doncic. Here is what a former Mavericks coach had to say about the matter.
Former Mavericks Coach Drops Hot Take On Flagg vs Doncic
Former Mavericks coach Avery Johnson has come up with a bold statement on Dallas drafting the Duke superstar. Johnson, who also was previously the head coach of Alabama, was asked about picking Flagg vs picking Doncic. During a segment with CBS Sports, the 60-year-old replied, “Man, give me Cooper Flagg.” The 18-year-old forward averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists last season, helping Duke to an NCAA Final Four appearance.
Flagg, the former Blue Devil, was a top recruit in the 2024 class. The new Mavericks addition is well known for his top-notch defense, shot-blocking ability, and versatility. Flagg is capable of playing multiple positions and is already considered the future superstar of the franchise.
Avery Johnson Praises New Mavericks Team Construction
Now that the Mavericks have added another star, Johnson praised how the franchise has been rebuilding the squad. The former coach also said that once Kyrie Irving returns from rehabilitation, the Mavericks are going to be a tremendous team, alongside Anthony Davis. The former Lakers power forward was part of the shocking trade when the 17-time NBA champions acquired Doncic. The team also let go of Max Christie, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and a 2029 first-round pick. Meanwhile, they received Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris alongside the former Real Madrid player.
Johnson was the head coach for the Mavericks from 2005 to 2008, and the veteran knows what the team wants. The CBS analyst led the team to the NBA Finals in 2006. Johnson is loving the new roster and believes it has just got better. “This team is going to be built to be one of the best two-way teams in the league,” he said, during the CBS segment. He also mentioned NBA champion Klay Thompson and believes that as long as the players are healthy, the team has quality players for success in the league. “You’re talking about a team that, when they’re healthy, has three future Hall of Famers with Kyrie, AD, and Klay Thompson.”
The debate is never over. It is to be seen what the Duke superstar brings to the table. On the other hand, Doncic is focused on getting better in shape ahead of the upcoming season. The Slovenian has been incredibly committed to his conditioning. Doncic, who averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.7 assists last season, doesn’t want to take any chances with his conditioning.
Photo credit: © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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