The Dallas Mavericks have made a significant announcement regarding their approach to the 2024 NBA Draft, sparking immediate reactions across the league. With the basketball world buzzing over the future of high school phenom Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks’ latest move has added another layer of intrigue to an already unpredictable draft season.
Flagg, the 6’9” forward from Montverde Academy, has been the subject of relentless speculation after reclassifying to the 2024 high school class, making him eligible for the 2025 NBA Draft. His rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant and Paul Pierce, with scouts labeling him as a potential franchise-altering talent. However, despite Flagg’s undeniable upside, the Mavericks’ draft strategy appears to be focused on immediate contributors rather than long-term projects.
Dallas, coming off a Western Conference Finals appearance, holds the 25th overall pick in the 2024 draft—a selection that won’t put them in contention for a top-tier prospect like Flagg. Instead, the organization has signaled its intent to prioritize experienced players who can bolster their rotation alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. General Manager Nico Harrison emphasized the team’s win-now mentality in a recent press conference, stating, “Our goal is to surround Luka and Kyrie with pieces that can help us compete for a championship right away. We’re looking for guys who can step in and contribute immediately, whether that’s through shooting, defense, or playmaking.”
This approach effectively rules out any possibility of the Mavericks pursuing Flagg in next year’s draft, barring a major trade-up scenario. Given Dallas’ current roster construction and financial commitments, accumulating assets to move into the top of the 2025 draft seems unlikely unless they undergo a dramatic shift in direction. Instead, the Mavericks are expected to target proven college players or international prospects who can provide depth behind their superstar backcourt.
Names like Baylor Scheierman (Creighton), Tyler Kolek (Marquette), and Ulrich Chomche (NBA Academy Africa) have been linked to Dallas as potential fits at No. 25. Each of these prospects offers a specific skill set that could address the Mavericks’ needs—whether it’s Scheierman’s elite shooting, Kolek’s playmaking, or Chomche’s defensive versatility.
While Cooper Flagg’s future remains one of the most captivating storylines in basketball, the Mavericks’ draft announcement reinforces their commitment to maximizing their current championship window. With Dončić in the prime of his career and Irving still playing at an All-Star level, Dallas is clearly prioritizing short-term success over speculative future gains.
That said, the Flagg speculation isn’t going away anytime soon. Teams like the Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, and Utah Jazz—all expected to be in the mix for high lottery picks next year—are already being mentioned as potential landing spots for the young forward. If Flagg declares for the 2025 draft as expected, he will undoubtedly be the most coveted prospect since Victor Wembanyama.
For now, the Mavericks are staying the course, focusing on the present rather than the distant future. But in the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, one thing is certain: Cooper Flagg’s name will continue to dominate draft conversations until the moment he finally steps onto an NBA court. And while Dallas may not be in the running for his services, the ripple effects of his rise will be felt across the league for years to come.
