In a stunning twist that no one saw coming, the Dallas Mavericks secured the rights to Cooper Flagg in this speculative NBA Mock Draft 1.0, reshaping not only the team’s trajectory but the league’s entire outlook on young talent.

Flagg, widely regarded as the most electrifying high school prospect in a generation, had long been expected to headline a draft class of his own in 2026. But a sudden shift in eligibility rules and accelerated development has thrown him into this hypothetical 2025 draft—and the Mavericks pounced.

This mock scenario envisions a chaotic but thrilling draft lottery, where the Mavericks jumped from the late lottery to the No. 1 overall pick due to a rare combination of protected pick swaps and a lucky bounce.

With Luka Dončić leading the franchise and Kyrie Irving playing a complementary role, Dallas shocked the basketball world by selecting the versatile 6-foot-9 forward out of Montverde Academy. What makes this move so seismic is not just the player but the pairing: Dončić and Flagg instantly become one of the most compelling young duos in the league.

Flagg brings a rare combination of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ that scouts have been raving about since his early AAU days. His two-way potential is off the charts. On offense, he can stretch the floor, create his own shot, and operate as a secondary ball handler.

On defense, he’s a high-level rim protector with lateral quickness to guard multiple positions. Even in this fictional draft setting, the idea of Flagg guarding elite wings while spacing the floor next to Dončić is enough to make Mavericks fans dream big.

The ripple effect of this move in the mock draft landscape is massive. With Flagg going No. 1, other teams had to rethink their strategies. Projected top pick Ron Holland dropped to No. 2, landing with the Washington Wizards.

The Wizards, who were reportedly preparing to select Flagg to build their franchise around, quickly pivoted to Holland’s explosive scoring and defensive versatility.

Meanwhile, top international prospect Zaccharie Risacher slid to No. 3, going to the Detroit Pistons, who desperately needed perimeter shooting and defensive length on the wing.

For Dallas, the hypothetical acquisition of Flagg isn’t just about raw talent—it’s about building a sustainable future. With Dončić entering his prime and often forced to carry heavy offensive loads, Flagg gives the team a legitimate long-term co-star who can relieve pressure and offer flexibility on both ends of the floor.

He’s also a culture-changer, known for his work ethic, leadership qualities, and ability to elevate teammates—traits that align perfectly with head coach Jason Kidd’s vision for a championship-caliber roster.

There are, of course, challenges to be addressed. This mock draft assumes Flagg bypasses the traditional one-and-done route, possibly through an international pro year or an eligibility rule change.

Either way, integrating an 18-year-old talent into a team with championship aspirations requires delicate balance. The Mavericks would need to manage his development carefully, possibly bringing him along slowly off the bench before unleashing him in a bigger role later in the season.

Elsewhere in the mock draft, another surprise came when the San Antonio Spurs used their pick to select a defensive-minded center to pair with Victor Wembanyama. Instead of adding more scoring, they focused on rim protection and rebounding, showing a clear commitment to building a defensive fortress.

The Utah Jazz, meanwhile, reached for a dynamic combo guard who wowed scouts during March Madness. And in a bold move, the Toronto Raptors traded up to select a high-upside international wing who some compare to a young Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Back to the Mavericks, the real buzz is what this means long-term. Flagg’s inclusion in the mock roster changes their timeline. Rather than being purely a veteran-driven team chasing a ring in the short term, Dallas now has one of the best young cores in the league.

A potential starting lineup of Dončić, Flagg, Irving, and Dereck Lively II with a few smart role players offers flexibility, youth, and a high ceiling. Fans will fantasize about fast breaks where Dončić throws lobs to Flagg, or defensive sequences where Flagg switches onto guards and bigs alike with ease.

Analysts are already debating how this fantasy pairing could reshape the league. Would this finally push Dallas back into the top tier of title contenders? Would Flagg’s presence be enough to keep Dončić in Dallas long-term?

In this mock scenario, the answer to both might be a resounding yes. The league is constantly evolving, and adding a generational two-way talent to a team already featuring one of the top five players in the world is the kind of move that changes everything.

It’s easy to see why this would be considered a shocking twist. No one expected the Mavericks to have a chance at Flagg, let alone secure his rights in this speculative setup.

But that’s the beauty of a mock draft—the surprises, the chaos, and the potential to dream big. Whether or not it ever becomes reality, the thought of Cooper Flagg in a Mavericks jersey is enough to stir up excitement across the NBA landscape.

And while this scenario remains fiction for now, it underscores the league’s fascination with Flagg’s potential and the way teams are already positioning themselves for future drafts.

With his blend of size, athleticism, and feel for the game, Flagg will almost certainly be a top pick when he is finally eligible. Until then, the fantasy of what could be—especially in a setting like this mock draft—will continue to fuel debates among fans and executives alike.