Cooper Flagg Predicted to Have Bigger Impact than Victor Wembanyama in Rookie Season

The Mavericks, as expected, took forward Cooper Flagg with the first pick of the 2025 NBA draft Wednesday night.

Cooper Flagg Predicted to Have Bigger Impact than Victor Wembanyama in Rookie Season

Cooper Flagg and Victor Wembanyama (Image by FirstSportz)

Cooper Flagg, considered the best American prospect since his new teammate Anthony Davis in 2012, was selected by the Dallas Mavericks first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night. Now, many have made their opinions clear on Flagg over the past few days. Some were in favor of him and some against him, but the one that stood out in particular was that of former Warriors GM Bob Myers.

Myers made a daring assertion about Flagg. With him now serving as an analyst, Myers thought Flagg would have a greater influence on winning than Victor Wembanyama, who was selected first overall in 2023 and was regarded as a generational talent. In addition to Myers, many believe Flagg is capable of helping a team win more games, even though Wembanyama may have a higher ceiling.

I’m gonna say something that might be controversial: Victor Wembanyama got a lot of attention being the #1 pick. I could see Cooper Flagg impacting winning more than Victor did in his rookie year–The reason is Cooper Flagg is as NBA-ready as they come.

Bob Myers said on ESPN

Some people will undoubtedly take notice of the take. During his rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs, Wembanyama averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals in 71 games. San Antonio, which was rebuilding, ended 14th in the West with a 22-60 record despite his double-double season.

Given Flagg’s exceptional freshman statistics, it’s hard to disagree with Myers. Flagg led his Duke Blue Devils side in all major categories and cemented his status as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft with an average of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. Although he did not win the NCAA title, Flagg will be aiming for bigger success in the NBA with the Mavs.

Flagg joins a team that includes Klay Thompson, Davis, and Kyrie Irving. Additionally, Jason Kidd, his seasoned coach, has lavished the youthful forward with praise.

ESPN reporter dropped the hammer on Cooper Flagg ahead of his rookie NBA season

The Dallas Mavericks’ Tim MacMahon, an ESPN reporter, did not hold back his high words for Cooper Flagg on the First Take show. MacMahon believes Cooper Flagg may perhaps surpass Dirk Nowitzki as a rookie. According to the analyst, Flagg will establish himself in the league and be on a level with Luka Doncic during his debut season.

Cooper Flagg 2
Cooper Flagg (Credits: X)

Rookie of the Year, a top-two rookie season in Mavericks franchise history. The kind of campaign by a teenager that makes it crystal clear (that) this is a dude that you build around for a generation to come. And never, ever, even remotely, consider trading him.

Tim MacMahon said

Flagg has everything it takes to succeed and be one of the best in the league. He is the second youngest No.1 pick after the legendary LeBron James, that has been drafted in the NBA. Alongside Davis and Irving, the ceiling is as high as ever for Flagg. Even the legendary Coach K had high praise for his star in the past, showcasing the amount of trust people have in Flagg.

Cooper Flagg on being drafted as No.1 overall pick

Flagg doesn’t play around. As soon as he was selected in Wednesday’s draft, he made it obvious that he wanted to win the championship with the Dallas Mavericks. Everyone would be in awe of his prowess if he were to win a chip in his first season. The last person to do something like this was the great Magic Johnson, winning it in his rookie season.

Of course, yeah. My mindset has always been to be a winner, so I’m going to try to win as hard as I can everywhere I go. I’m looking forward to being successful and winning a lot of games, for sure.

Cooper Flagg told the media

Despite not being the odds-on favorite to win the 2025–26 title, there is no denying that the Mavericks are now serious contenders for the postseason. Also, with all the noise surrounding the 18-year-old, a lot of pressure will be on Flagg to deliver in his first season as well, something the rookie will have to deal with all season.

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