Cooper Flagg continues to turn heads and elevate his stock as one of the most electrifying young talents in basketball, and his recent workout with the Dallas Mavericks only added to the mounting excitement. Just two days ago, Flagg stepped onto the Mavericks’ private court for an individual pre-draft session, and according to sources within the organization, the 6-foot-9 forward “made a very favorable first impression.” That impression could have far-reaching implications as the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, not only for Flagg himself but for the franchise evaluating whether to take a swing at what many believe could be a generational player.
From the moment Flagg entered the gym, there was a sense of curiosity and anticipation. The Mavericks, a team that has always been forward-thinking in their scouting and development philosophies, were eager to see how the former Duke standout would handle himself in a high-pressure, NBA-caliber environment. What they got, according to multiple scouts and team insiders, was a performance that exceeded even their high expectations. Flagg displayed not just his well-documented physical tools and athleticism, but also a level of maturity, poise, and basketball IQ that impressed everyone in attendance.
Flagg’s workout reportedly included shooting drills, defensive rotations, transition sequences, and half-court scrimmage-style actions. Across the board, he showed an elite command of spacing, a feathery shooting touch from multiple spots on the floor, and an instinctive ability to make the right read—whether it was slipping into a soft spot for a catch-and-shoot opportunity, crashing the boards with ferocity, or finding an open teammate off the dribble. But it was his energy and presence that left the deepest mark. According to a Mavericks assistant who spoke on condition of anonymity, “He walked in with the confidence of a ten-year vet, but none of the entitlement. He wanted to learn. He wanted to compete. He wanted to dominate.”
It was that competitive fire—often hidden beneath his calm, almost stoic exterior—that separated Flagg from some of the other top prospects. He approached each drill like it was the fourth quarter of a Game 7. He asked questions, absorbed feedback, and immediately adjusted, something that was not lost on Dallas’ front office. “What really stood out,” one scout said, “was how coachable he was. We’d suggest something minor in terms of foot placement or timing, and by the very next rep, he’d already fixed it. That’s rare for a guy his age, especially one who has been in the spotlight as long as he has.”
The workout also reaffirmed what scouts have been saying for over a year: Flagg’s defensive versatility could be his calling card early in his NBA career. He switched seamlessly between wings and guards, showed excellent timing on weak-side blocks, and displayed a lateral quickness that allows him to contest shots without fouling. Combine that with his elite length and anticipation, and you get a player who could guard three or four positions at the next level. That kind of switchability has become a premium asset in the modern NBA, and it’s clear the Mavericks took notice.
Flagg’s offensive polish was equally eye-opening. While everyone knows about his highlight-reel dunks and long-range potential, it was his mid-range game and ability to create off the bounce that really caught fire during the session. He hit multiple pull-up jumpers over outstretched arms, used hesitations and spin moves to create separation, and even dropped in a couple of floaters in traffic. It was a complete offensive package, and more than one executive left the gym convinced that Flagg is further along in his development than most one-and-done players entering the league.
The Mavericks’ interest in Flagg is understandable given their current roster construction. With Luka Dončić firmly entrenched as the franchise cornerstone and Kyrie Irving providing veteran leadership and offensive punch, the team is in search of a young, high-upside wing who can contribute immediately while also growing into a future star. Flagg fits that mold almost perfectly. His game complements Dončić’s playmaking beautifully—he doesn’t need the ball to be effective but can take over when necessary. He’s capable of spacing the floor, running the break, and finishing at the rim, all while bringing elite-level defense to a Mavericks team that has struggled on that end of the floor at times.
Another aspect that drew praise from the Mavericks’ staff was Flagg’s professionalism. Despite being only 18 years old, he approached the workout with the demeanor of someone who understands the stakes and is ready for the responsibility. He was early to arrive, stayed late to work on free throws, and interacted warmly with everyone from coaching assistants to front-office executives. It may seem minor, but in an era where intangible qualities like leadership and locker room fit are increasingly scrutinized, Flagg’s demeanor stood out.
This workout with Dallas was just one stop on what has been a busy pre-draft circuit for Flagg. Yet every time he’s put in front of decision-makers, he seems to separate himself further from the pack. Teams have had their eyes on him since his high school days in Maine, and his lone season at Duke only elevated his stock. But now, with NBA eyes focused directly on him, Flagg is proving he’s not just hype—he’s substance. And teams like the Mavericks, who are positioning themselves to compete now and in the future, are watching closely.
What makes Flagg such a compelling prospect isn’t just his physical gifts or even his technical skills. It’s the rare blend of mental toughness, self-awareness, and relentless drive that makes people believe he could be a franchise cornerstone. Those qualities were on full display in Dallas. While other top prospects may rely on their reputations or athleticism alone, Flagg is building his case brick by brick, workout by workout, impression by impression. And with the Mavericks reportedly “very intrigued” after seeing him up close, it wouldn’t be shocking to see them make a serious move if the opportunity presents itself in the draft.
Whether or not Dallas ultimately selects Flagg remains to be seen. The draft landscape is fluid, and a lot will depend on how the lottery plays out, as well as what kinds of trade opportunities materialize in the coming weeks. But what’s certain is that Flagg has put himself firmly in the conversation, not just as a top pick but as a player who could change the trajectory of a franchise. The Mavericks understand the importance of this moment. With Dončić in his prime and the Western Conference as competitive as ever, finding the right complementary piece could be the difference between playoff disappointment and a championship run. Flagg, in many ways, represents the kind of two-way excellence that every contending team covets.
And for Flagg, the Dallas workout was more than just a formality. It was a proving ground. It was his chance to show that the hype is real, that the promise he showed at Montverde Academy, on the AAU circuit, and at Duke was not just a flash in the pan but the start of something extraordinary. If the Mavericks’ reaction is any indication, he more than succeeded.
As the 2025 NBA Draft inches closer, all eyes will remain fixed on Cooper Flagg. And while his final destination is still unknown, one thing is certain: wherever he lands, he’s going to make an impact. If that place turns out to be Dallas, then Mavericks fans may soon look back on this workout as the first chapter in the story of their next great star. For now, it’s clear that Flagg left the gym having done exactly what he needed to—he made believers out of one of the league’s most discerning front offices. And in a draft class filled with talent, that kind of impression might just be the difference that seals his future.
