The Dallas Mavericks won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery and are expected to select Cooper Flagg out of Duke with the first overall pick. During an appearance on Bill Simmons' podcast, Flagg's former Duke teammate, Kon Knueppel, discussed Flagg's potential fit alongside Anthony Davis.

“It will be weird, I don’t know who’s going to guard, like is Cooper getting their best defender? That’s a really good situation to come into as a rookie,” Knueppel said. “And I think it will be able to let him have the ball… Be able to play-make and Kyrie is going to have the ball in his hands, Davis is going to have the ball in his hands, but I really think, Cooper, that’ll be a really good spot for him right away at least to be able to come in and contribute in a big way.

“I think it’ll be on a good team where it’s not just like empty calories for a team that isn’t really maybe not going anywhere. But I think that will fuel his fire, you know. He wants to win.”

Article Continues Below
More Dallas Mavericks News
NBA rumors: Bobby Marks circles Mavericks, Clippers for Jrue Holiday trade
NBA rumors: Bobby Marks circles Mavericks, Clippers for Jrue Holiday tradeChris Spiering ·
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd looks on during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at the American Airlines Center.
NBA rumors: ‘Door not closed’ on Jason Kidd leaving Mavericks for KnicksRishav Bhat ·
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is fouled by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in the first quarter at the Chase Center.
NBA rumors: ESPN’s 4-team trade sends Giannis to Warriors, Draymond Green to LakersJulian Ojeda ·
Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) walks off the court after losing to the Houston Cougars in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.
Mavericks’ intriguing Cooper Flagg activity before 2025 NBA draftRishav Bhat ·
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd looks on during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at the American Airlines Center.
RUMOR: Multiple teams trying to raid Jason Kidd’s Mavericks coaching staffAlex House ·
Kyrie Irving, Tracy McGrady
Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving shoots back at Tracy McGrady’s handles commentBurtland Dixon ·

Kon Knueppel, who is also going to be an intriguing prospect in the '25 NBA Draft, believes the Mavericks are an overall quality fit for Cooper Flagg. Flagg was the top scoring option during his time with Duke. However, he may be a third scoring option once Kyrie Irving returns from injury. To begin the season, Flagg will likely be the second scoring option behind Anthony Davis.

With that being said, the Mavericks will want to ensure that Klay Thomson is receiving a respectable amount of looks as well. Jason Kidd will have plenty of options. It will be interesting to see how he navigates the situation between the veterans and the rookie.

Of course, Cooper Flagg isn't even technically a member of the Mavericks as of this story's writing. Barring a shocking NBA Draft trade, though, Flagg will likely end up joining Davis and Irving in Dallas.