ESPN's Cooper Flagg Prediction Would Be Bad News for Beleaguered Mavericks Front Office

ESPN's Cooper Flagg Prediction Would Be Bad News for Beleaguered Mavericks Front Office originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

All things considered, the faster Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg can establish himself as an elite-level star in Dallas, the easier it will be for Nico Harrison and the team's front office, which has been the subject of intense hatred and vitriol from the fan base in the wake of its decision to trade away beloved star Luka Doncic in February.

"Fire Nico!" became the mantra of Mavs fans down the stretch of the season, a lot more common at American Airlines Center than, say, "Let's go Mavs!"

Of course, Harrison and the team's staff were granted a reprieve when they managed to pull off an astounding win at the NBA draft lottery, being gifted the No. 1 overall pick and one of the most anticipated prospects in recent memory, Cooper Flagg from Duke.

But can Flagg carry the Mavs all the way to the playoffs as a rookie?

Cooper Flagg Under Pressure

The Mavericks need Flagg to live up to his hype, and they need him to do so quickly.

Flagg played two games in summer league in Las Vegas and averaged 20.5 points, shooting only 35.7% from the field in those games. Teammate Naji Marshall said it best at the time.

"Cooper's great man, you know, there's a lot of pressure (on him) being the No. 1 pick," Marshall said, via The Dallas Morning News. "Just going out there and playing his natural game. (I) think he got the jitters out in his second game he came out with 30 (points). Just another reason to look forward to the season. 

"I'm excited to play with Cooper and look forward to his progression."

how it felt watching “is cooper flagg the next big prospect?” on youtube to seeing him get drafted first overall ???????? pic.twitter.com/GyJLeeZTyq— ???????? (@franchiseflagg) August 5, 2025

Mavericks Playoff Chances Remain Iffy

What the Mavericks really need from Flagg is a good enough season to push them forward in what is a stacked Western Conference. And it doesn't look like that's going to happen.

ESPN compiled a panel of its editors and reporters, and polled them about Flagg's future. While there is no question it is bright, the group could not see Flagg helping Harrison and Dallas right from the tip-off.

Only 23.1% of the panelists had the Mavericks among the West's Top 6 and earning a playoff spot. None had them among the Top 4 seeds. In all, 76.9% had Dallas missing the playoffs or reaching the play-in tournament, at No. 7-10.

As ESPN's Tim MacMahon points out, it's more about another former No. 1 pick than Flagg--Kyrie Irving, who had knee surgery in March and might not return to the Mavericks until next March, if at all.

McMahon wrote: "Flagg is projected to be an instant starter, but he won't be expected to carry the team as a rookie surrounded by accomplished veterans, most prominently former No. 1 pick and 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, who was the headliner in the return package for Luka Doncic.

"The biggest factor in the Mavs' playoff positioning, or lack thereof, could be the impact made by another former No. 1 pick and future Hall of Famer. When will Kyrie Irving return from his torn left ACL? If it's this season, can he return to All-Star form for a team that needs his offensive creation?"

Flagg will soothe the loss of Doncic. But if the Mavericks can't get to the playoffs this season, it might not be enough for fans to let Harrison off the hook.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 8, 2025, where it first appeared.