On 25 June at New York’s Barclays Center, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced that Duke forward Cooper Flagg had been selected first overall in the 2025 Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. Fans received the outcome they had awaited all year: the 18-year-old wing, already laden with accolades, is officially beginning his professional career in Texas.
First Pick: Mavericks' Bet on a Future Superstar
Flagg fits Dallas’s needs instantly: switch-friendly defense at every position, the ability to stretch defenses with a perimeter jumper, and a mature basketball IQ rare for a rookie. The Mavericks’ front office is convinced he will become Luka Dončić’s long-term running mate and a key to their title pursuit.
Rookie-Year Numbers: An Impressive NCAA Season
During his lone collegiate campaign, Cooper averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 48 % from the field and 38 % from beyond the arc. He also posted 1.4 blocks per game, proving he can protect the paint. Those metrics earned him National Rookie of the Year honors and a place on the NCAA All-America First Team.
Harper Bolsters the Spurs: Duo With Wembanyama
With the second pick, the San Antonio Spurs selected dynamic combo guard Dylan Harper from Rutgers. The 19-year-old scorer poured in 564 points over the season—a record for a Scarlet Knights freshman. Together with Victor Wembanyama, he is expected to form one of the league’s longest and most athletic pick-and-roll pairings.
Bahamian Engine for the Sixers: Edgecombe and His Upside
Third overall, the Philadelphia 76ers chose guard VJ Edgecombe. The franchise is banking on the versatile Bahamian, known for his on-ball tenacity and explosive first step, to ease Tyrese Maxey’s offensive burden and intensify full-court pressure.
What’s Next: Forecasts for the Debut Season
Analysts expect Flagg to become Jason Kidd’s primary wing stopper as early as October, with a trajectory toward top scoring option. Harper will lighten Wembanyama’s load in high pick-and-roll actions and supply the Spurs with much-needed perimeter shooting. Edgecombe should immediately boost the Sixers’ defense and accelerate their transition game. The 2025 Draft looks to be the launchpad of a new wave of talent capable of reshaping the NBA’s balance of power before the final buzzer sounds.
