While Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg has the usual pressure of being the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, the former Duke star is in a situation that sets up his rookie season to be tougher than even LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama’s first NBA campaigns.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/draft as These Two Questions Will Define Cooper Flagg's Rookie Season.

After going No. 1 overall to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA draft, Cooper Flagg gave props to the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder this week.

From a statistical perspective, only Risacher, Fultz and Simmons averaged fewer than 16 points, and Risacher, Cunningham, Edwards and Fultz averaged fewer than six rebounds, the marks that Flagg is expected to hit.

The Dallas Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg with the number one pick in this year's NBA draft. Flagg predicted his toughest challenge heading into his first season before his name was called by Adam Silver on June 25. He was introduced by the Mavs two days later and will wear the No. 32 jersey.

NBA legend Paul Pierce explained why he believes Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg would be a lock for the Rookie of the Year Award next season.