Blake Griffin, a former No. 1 overall pick himself, recently joined Candace Parker and Aliyah Boston on the Post Moves podcast and had some glowing words about Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks’ new franchise cornerstone. Griffin, who knows a thing or two about the hype and pressure of being a top pick, didn’t hold back when describing Flagg’s game.
“I mean, I think he’s the most complete player that we’ve seen come into the NBA in recent memory. And not saying he doesn’t have room to grow. He still has a ton of room to grow.”
“I mean, he passes, he shoots, he defends, he rebounds. He seems like a great teammate, seems like a great kid. What’s the red flag, which is like really exciting for basketball to have like these young guys. I mean, even Wemby, like very complete as well.”
“But Cooper is able to play so many different positions, guard so many different positions. But it’s exciting. Also love he’s in Dallas. I think they have a really solid team around them.”
“You know most number one picks are going to teams that haven’t been doing too great in the past. But I’m just excited for him to to to like start this journey. I don’t even know if I have advice for me because seems like kid’s gotta figure it out.”
Cooper Flagg has been in the national spotlight for over a year, and his lone season with the Duke Blue Devils only cemented his reputation.
Averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 48.1 percent shooting, he showcased the unique versatility that sets him apart from other lottery picks.
At 6-foot-9, he thrived as a multi-dimensional scorer, consistently finishing at the rim, knocking down jumpers, and initiating offense as a secondary playmaker. His defensive instincts also stood out. Flagg was a constant disruptor who could switch across positions seamlessly.
That mix of two-way dominance made him the de facto No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Scouts and executives have praised not just his skill set but also his maturity, leadership, and poise under pressure.
The most fascinating part of Flagg’s entry into the NBA is the situation he finds himself in.
Most No.1 picks are drafted into struggling teams and forced to shoulder heavy burdens. Flagg joins the Dallas Mavericks, a team that already features Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and a great supporting cast.
The contrast is striking when compared to past No. 1 picks like Davis and Irving, who both began their careers with lottery teams rebuilding from the ground up. Flagg enters a “win-now” environment, meaning expectations are sky-high from day one.
While Wembanyama’s arrival in 2023 may go down as the most hyped draft entry ever, Flagg isn’t far behind. His game has drawn comparisons to a mix of Paul George, Jayson Tatum, and Scottie Pippen, players who can do a bit of everything on both ends of the floor.
With Griffin, a former Rookie of the Year and six-time All-Star, labeling him the most complete prospect in years, the buzz only grows stronger.
The Mavericks are betting big on Flagg’s immediate impact. Surrounded by experienced stars and a competitive roster, he won’t just be expected to develop; he’ll be expected to shine.
