ESPN’s Tim Bontemps released the results of the NBA’s annual offseason survey, and Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg was the overwhelming choice in multiple categories.
Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, received 19 of 20 votes to win Rookie of the Year. His former Duke teammate, Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, received the only other vote.
The survey also asked: Who will be the best player from the class of 2025 in five years? Flagg again dominated with 18 of 20 votes, while San Antonio Spurs guard and No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper and Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey each received one.
In 37 games at Duke last season, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists. The 6-foot-9 forward is regarded as one of the top prospects in recent memory, similar to 2023 No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama. Flagg will join a Mavericks roster that already features Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson.
Even if he is not immediately the best player on his team, expectations are high. In response to the survey question Who will be the best American player in five years? Flagg finished second, receiving five votes, behind only Anthony Edwards and ahead of Jayson Tatum, Paolo Banchero and Jalen Williams.
It is lofty praise for a player who has yet to play in an NBA game, but Flagg’s résumé at Duke backs it up. In his lone college season, he won AP Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, the Wooden Award, the Naismith Award and ACC Rookie of the Year.
The Mavericks open their season Oct. 22 against the San Antonio Spurs.
