Cooper Flagg: The Future Face of the Dallas Mavericks and the NBA’s Next Defensive Superstar?

The 2025 NBA Draft class has already emerged as one of the most promising in recent memory. Cooper Flagg, a generational two-way talent 6’9″ tall and 18 years old, is the event’s star. Flagg’s meteoric rise to fame is noteworthy. As a freshman, he was the only one to win the National Player of the Year.

Due to his unparalleled dominance, basketball IQ, and relentless energy, he is not only a top draft selection but also a key asset for the Dallas Mavericks as they transition into a post-Luka Doncic era.

Cooper Flagg’s Elite Skill Set Makes Him a Future NBA Superstar

Flagg’s game relies on defensive intensity, versatility, and hustle. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, which resulted in a remarkable 60% shooting percentage. These numbers reflect his mature decision-making, spatial awareness, and willingness to play extra.

Defensively, he’s a nightmare for opposing offenses. With Flagg’s length and agility, he can easily switch between guarding point guards on the perimeter and contesting shots at the rim. His anticipation and quick-twitch reactions reflect Kawhi Leonard and Andrei Kirilenko’s greatness. Whether diving for loose balls, stepping in to take a charge, or calling out rotations like a seasoned vet, Flagg shows up everywhere on the floor.

Why the Dallas Mavericks Are Building Around Cooper Flagg

The Dallas Mavericks traded their star player, Luka Doncic, to the Los Angeles Lakers. Cooper Flagg can fill the void as the new face of the Mavericks franchise, bringing elite defense that their general manager, Nico Harrison, has long prioritized.

With Cooper Flagg joining the Mavericks, he’ll be sharing the floor with superstars like Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving, which will undoubtedly help Flagg progress as a player and help him reach his full potential.

Dylan Harper: Elite Playmaker with NBA Pedigree

Having one of the most impressive seasons in college basketball, standing at 6’6″, Dylan Harper averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and four assists, proving to be a tremendous rim threat. Harper is a big-bodied, left-handed combo guard. His father, Ron Harper, was a star before winning five titles as a role player, averaging 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists. The similarities between father and son are impressive: both have great size for guards and are versatile in scoring and distributing. But what makes Dylan Harper even more exciting is that he’s doing all this without fully reaching his potential.

One of Harper’s well-known strengths is that he’s a lefty. He can drive to the basket while keeping a low dribble—especially when splitting pick-and-rolls—and uses his big frame to shield defenders and finish through contact. He plays at his own pace, using smart changes of speed, solid ball-handling, and strength instead of quickness to get to his spots. Although he might look slow sometimes, that’s just part of his game, giving him the defensive edge over others.

As a result of Harper having to carry most of the offensive load at Rutgers, he couldn’t make a greater impact on defense. However, in the long term, there’s no doubt that his defense will be a problem. He has the tools to become a much better defender with his size, long arms, and a good feel for where to be on the court.

Ace Bailey: The Offensive Juggernaut with All-Star Potential

Born in Tennessee, Ace Bailey has the tools to become a future All-Star. Standing at 6’10, he combines his elite shot-making ability with the size and strength to get to his spots anywhere on the court. Bailey can shoot off the dribble from anywhere against any defensive scheme, averaging 17.6 points and seven rebounds, with his field goal percentage at 46. He can knock down leaners going either direction, hit fadeaways after stopping on a dime, and turnarounds from the post. His fluidity with the ball makes him unique, moving like he’s a 6’3 guard despite his height. Bailey will be unstoppable, especially as he continues to develop.

On defense, Bailey was an upside as a help-shot blocker, recording a 4.1% block rate and averaging 1.3 blocks per game. While there has been a question about his lack of awareness on defense, he’s proven to be a lockdown defender and a decent mover against like-sized players. By adding muscle, Bailey will be a bigger threat on the defensive side against stronger NBA players.

Another upside is that he led his teams in rebounding by a wide margin and used his length, bounce, and timing to control the boards. As Bailey enters the league, he’ll become a more complete defender. Once he puts his offense and defense together, he’ll be a matchup nightmare on both ends.

V.J. Edgecombe: Explosive Athlete with Defensive Tenacity

Arguably the most explosive and athletic player in this draft, V.J. Edgecombe is a fast, high-flying wing who shines in transition and can easily beat defenders. What makes him a serious threat at the rim is how he combines his jumping ability, quickness, and body control. In addition to his elite athleticism, Edgecombe has a knockdown jumper, shooting 34 percent from three as a freshman at Baylor. He also shot 42.8 percent on 208 attempts over his final two years in high school. Although that percentage was from high school, it’s safe to say that Edgecombe’s shooting ability won’t be a problem at the next level. This year, he averaged 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and two steals per game.

Defensively, Edgecombe brings the same energy and explosiveness. He averaged a 4.1% steal rate and 2.9% block rate—awe-inspiring for a 6’4 “guard. He has great timing when reaching for the ball without fouling and shows real toughness fighting to rip the ball away from opponents after rebounds. His speed on the open floor allows him to jump passing lanes and pick off lazy or looping passes. On top of that, his shot-blocking ability is rare for his position.

Edgecombe also gained valuable experience playing with international professionals on the Bahamian national team, giving him an edge regarding readiness and basketball IQ. There is no question that, regardless of where Edgecombe lands in the draft, his skill set and energy guarantee he’ll make an immediate and positive impact.

The Future of the NBA Starts with Cooper Flagg

The NBA’s next generation is now in place, and Cooper Flagg is leading the way. With his combination of elite defense, hustle, communication, and leadership, he is the cornerstone of any franchise. The Dallas Mavericks have discovered gold in Flagg, and his presence will shape the organization’s future. Surrounding him are high-caliber prospects like Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, and V.J. Edgecombe—all of whom bring elite potential and instant impact. Whether it’s Harper’s playmaking, Bailey’s shot creation, or Edgecombe’s athleticism, each prospect adds unique value to any NBA team. This draft class is the ideal foundation for teams as they rebuild, retool, and plan for the future. The 2025 NBA Draft class offers much, from Cooper Flagg’s defensive brilliance to Edgecombe’s two-way explosiveness.