Mavs make Duke star Cooper Flagg the No. 1 pick of 2025 NBA draft; Raptors take Murray-Boyles
The Dallas Mavericks made a bold move in the NBA draft by selecting Cooper Flagg as their No. 1 pick. Flagg, a standout forward from Duke University, has been touted as the next potential franchise superstar for the Mavericks. This decision comes just months after the controversial trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, which initially angered many Mavericks fans.
However, Flagg’s impressive performance at Duke, where he was named college player of the year, has quickly won over the fan base. With an average of 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, Flagg led Duke to the Final Four and solidified his status as a top prospect in the draft. The Mavericks wasted no time in announcing that Flagg would wear No. 32 in Dallas, joining fellow Duke alumni Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II on the roster.
In an interview, Flagg expressed his excitement about joining the Mavericks and learning from the experienced players on the team. He acknowledged the support he received from his home state of Maine, where fans celebrated his selection as the No. 1 pick. Flagg’s journey from a small town in Newport, Maine, to being drafted first overall is truly inspirational, and he hopes to inspire younger kids in his community.
The draft also saw other talented players being selected, including Rutgers freshman Dylan Harper going to the San Antonio Spurs as the No. 2 pick. The Philadelphia 76ers picked Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe at No. 3, while Duke’s Kon Knueppel was selected by the Charlotte Hornets at No. 4. The draft continued with players like Ace Bailey, Tre Johnson, and Jeremiah Fears being chosen in the first round.
The Toronto Raptors made a significant pick at No. 9, selecting South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles. Murray-Boyles had an impressive college career, averaging double digits in points and rebounds in both his freshman and sophomore seasons. He was recognized for his defensive prowess and was named to the All-SEC team in his sophomore year.
Overall, the NBA draft showcased the talent and potential of young players like Flagg and Murray-Boyles, who are set to make an impact in the league. As the teams prepare for the upcoming season, fans are eager to see how these new additions will contribute to their respective franchises.
