The NBA Draft 2025 delivered on all expectations Wednesday night, with standout forward Cooper Flagg going No 1 overall to the Dallas Mavericks, and guard Dylan Harper joining a rising San Antonio Spurs squad at No 2. The night was filled with emotions, family moments, and franchise-altering picks at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Flagg Becomes Face of Mavericks Post-Doncic
Flagg, the 6-foot-8 phenom out of Duke, was long projected to be the top pick in this year’s draft. The Duke freshman standout averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and added stellar defensive numbers. His selection marks the first time the Mavericks have picked No 1 overall since selecting Mark Aguirre in 1981.
“It’s a dream come true,” Flagg said. “I wouldn’t want to share this moment with anybody else.”
The Mavericks, who traded franchise star Luka Doncic to the Lakers last season, are now building their future around Flagg, a versatile forward known for his high basketball IQ, defensive presence, and leadership.
Dylan Harper Reunites with Wembanyama in San Antonio
With the second pick, the San Antonio Spurs chose Dylan Harper, a dynamic guard from Rutgers. Harper, the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, joins a promising Spurs team headlined by French sensation Victor Wembanyama and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle.
“They’ve got a great young core over there,” Harper said. “I’m just ready to get in there and make an impact in any way I can.”
Top 5 NBA Draft Picks 2025
- 1. Cooper Flagg – Dallas Mavericks (Duke)
- 2. Dylan Harper – San Antonio Spurs (Rutgers)
- 3. VJ Edgecombe – Philadelphia 76ers (Baylor)
- 4. Kon Knueppel – Charlotte Hornets (Duke)
- 5. Ace Bailey – Utah Jazz (Rutgers)
Edgecombe, the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, brings scoring punch to the Sixers. Knueppel, another Duke standout, remains in North Carolina, drafted by the Hornets. Bailey, a high-flying forward and former Harper teammate, was a surprise addition for the Jazz at No 5.
Khaman Maluach Makes NBA History
At No 10, Khaman Maluach, the 7-foot center from Duke and South Sudanese native, was drafted by the Houston Rockets, then quickly traded to the Phoenix Suns as part of a deal expected to include veteran Kevin Durant.
“I’m here representing the whole continent,” Maluach said. “I want to inspire the next generation of African basketball.”
Maluach’s journey from South Sudan to Duke and now the NBA embodies the global nature of modern basketball, and his story is already resonating across continents.
Notable Moments from the Night
- Dallas wins the lottery with just a 1.8% chance, landing Cooper Flagg.
- Duke places two freshmen—Flagg and Knueppel—in the top four picks.
- Family pride: Dylan Harper celebrates with his father Ron Harper, a former NBA champion with Michael Jordan’s Bulls.
- Global reach: Khaman Maluach becomes one of the few South Sudanese players drafted in the top 10.
What’s Next for the Rookie Class?
Summer League will be the first look at these exciting rookies. All eyes will be on how Flagg fits into the Mavericks’ system, how Harper blends with Wembanyama, and whether Maluach develops into a two-way force in Phoenix.
For full draft recap and team-by-team analysis, check out NBA Draft Trade Rumors & Recap.
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Conclusion
The 2025 NBA Draft delivered superstar promise, emotion, and franchise-defining moments. With Cooper Flagg in Dallas, Dylan Harper joining San Antonio’s young core, and Khaman Maluach representing Africa’s basketball future, this draft class could redefine the league’s next decade.
