Holding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks are expected to select Duke standout Cooper Flagg. The 18-year-old phenom has long been viewed as the consensus top prospect and is likely headed to a Mavericks squad now rebuilding after trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis.
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, 12-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul shared high praise for Flagg, confirming the hype surrounding the young forward.
“I’m in LA right now, and Cooper Flagg is out here… I’ve hit the gym with him a couple times, and he’s exactly what people say he is,” Paul said. “The Mavs landing the number one pick? That’s wild.”
Flagg capped off an impressive freshman season at Duke, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks over 37 games. He was instrumental in leading the Blue Devils to a Final Four appearance, where they eventually fell to the national champion Florida Gators.
Dallas, who had just a 1.8% chance to secure the top pick, jumped ten spots in the lottery to claim the franchise’s first-ever No. 1 selection.
Chris Paul to Dallas?
Though currently under contract with the San Antonio Spurs until the new league year begins on July 1, the 40-year-old Paul is set to become an unrestricted free agent. With Dallas entering a transitional period after losing Kyrie Irving to an ACL injury and having no true point guard under contract, Paul could be a natural fit.
Paul’s recent praise for Flagg sparked speculation about a potential move. NBA insider Marc Stein noted Paul as a “name to watch” for the Mavericks, given their need for a veteran playmaker and leader.
Last season, Paul signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Spurs. If he were to land in Dallas, he would likely have to accept a reduced salary to fit within the team’s cap situation.
Paul Talks About Family, Future, and Priorities
On the show, Paul also opened up about the challenges of balancing basketball with fatherhood.
“What I talk about most is my family,” Paul said. “My son just turned 16, my daughter is 12. I’ve spent the last six seasons apart from them, and that’s tough.”
“I still love the game—I was in the gym at 6 a.m. today—but I also want to be present as a dad,” he added. “If I keep playing, it’ll be because I love the game, not because I have to.”
Since leaving the Clippers, Paul has suited up for five teams: the Rockets, Thunder, Suns, Warriors, and Spurs. A potential reunion with an LA team isn’t off the table, though Dallas is reportedly in the mix if he decides to continue playing.
With two decades of NBA experience, Paul is one of the league’s most seasoned veterans. Whether he joins forces with Cooper Flagg or chooses family time over free agency, his next move will be one to watch.