Former NBA standout predicts big things for Mavericks, Flagg
How much of an impact can Cooper Flagg in his first year of the NBA?
At least one former NBA player thinks Flagg’s addition to the Dallas Mavericks make them a formidable opponent.
“They’re gonna come out and establish their identity,” Kendrick Perkins said on ESPN prior to the draft on Wednesday. “They have no choice because they have the first pick. When you look at Anthony Davis and you look at Daniel Gafford and Lively that’s a core in itself. And you add Cooper Flagg to that? That’s gonna be a problem defensively.”
The Mavericks made Flagg the first pick in the 2025 draft minutes after Perkins made his comments.
Flagg will be the new, young star among seasoned veterans Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving and fellow Duke alum Dereck Lively. Irving recently signed a three-year contract with the Dallas Mavericks for $119 million.
ESPN pundit Steven A. Smith predicts even bigger things for Flagg and the Mavericks.
Smith said the Mavericks, with the addition of Flagg, could be a contender for the NBA finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder won Game 7 on Sunday against the Indiana Pacers.
This story was originally published June 25, 2025 at 7:13 PM.
