DALLAS, TEXAS — For the first time in franchise history, the Dallas Mavericks are on the clock with the No. 1 overall pick.
It’s a moment years in the making for a front office known more for sharp trades than top draft positioning. From acquiring Dirk Nowitzki in 1998 to landing Luka Dončić via trade in 2018, the Mavericks have thrived by spotting talent others overlooked. But this time, they control the board.
All eyes are on 17-year-old Cooper Flagg — a two-way forward with elite upside and sky-high expectations. Some believe he’s a future star. Others wonder if Dallas should move the pick to bolster their current playoff core.
With so much at stake, the decision could define the next decade of Mavericks basketball. Whether it’s Flagg or a blockbuster trade, Dallas is about to add another chapter to its draft-day legacy.

