Dallas Mavericks fans were left stunned and frustrated when the franchise made the shocking decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Watching him get traded left many wondering how the Mavericks could move on from someone so important.
Yet in a surprising turn, Dallas might have stumbled into a new opportunity. Somehow, the Mavericks ended up with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft and landed highly touted draft phenom Cooper Flagg.
Luka was a superstar you’re never supposed to trade. He did everything for Dallas and took them to their first NBA Finals since 2011. Now Flagg steps into those massive expectations.
It’s a huge challenge, but the 19-year-old is already showing he might be up to it. Naturally, the comparisons have begun, and Brian Windhorst has shared an interesting take on Flagg’s potential.
“Cooper Flagg could end up being a better player and a better franchise leader than Luka Dončić.”
“Cooper Flagg could end up being a better player and a better franchise leader than Luka Dončić.” 😳
(🎥 @GetUpESPN )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 5, 2026
