This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/draft as Can Mavericks, Cooper Flagg Win Games Early Next Season?. Despite the off-loading of a certain superstar guard last season, the Dallas Mavericks move into the 2025-26 season with a talented roster.

Going to Duke isn’t the only similarity Dereck Lively II has with Cooper Flagg. As Flagg embarks on his NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks, all while still being a teenager, Lively can relate. He’s hoping he can help Flagg through his rookie year in any way possible.

After joining the Mavericks as the No. 1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg opted to return to his original jersey number worn up until last season at Duke.

Just 14 months ago, the Mavericks were in the NBA Finals, but after some bad luck and good lottery fortune, they have landed a potential franchise cornerstone in the draft.Flagg has the potential to be a No.

Despite losing Luka Doncic last season, the Dallas Mavericks still got an amazing prospect in Cooper Flagg. The Mavericks were rewarded with the No. 1 pick, and they used it to draft Flagg from Duke University.

One of the nice things about ending with the Dallas Mavericks after the 2025 NBA Draft is that Cooper Flagg will find a Brotherhood infrastructure in place. The Mavericks have Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively on board and they’ve both expressed excitement about their new teammate.

Jun 27, 2025; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks first overall pick Cooper Flagg (left) smiles with head coach Jason Kidd (right) at a press conference at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images New Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Phil Handy is one of the greatest player development coaches in recent memory,

Dereck Lively II shared his completely honest thoughts on the Mavericks landing Cooper Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Max Christie should replace Klay Thompson in the Dallas Mavericks' starting lineup by the end of the season to jumpstart the Cooper Flagg era.