"Wouldn't wanna share this": Cooper Flagg keeps it real after going No. 1 to Dallas Mavericks in 2025 NBA draft

As most fans and analysts expected, the Dallas Mavericks made Cooper Flagg the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft on Wednesday. The former Duke superstar and consensus best prospect was surrounded by his loved ones for his first interview as an NBA player.

The new Maverick had this to say when asked about fulfilling his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA:

"I feel amazing. It's a dream come true, to be honest. I wouldn't wanna share it with anybody else."

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Cooper Flagg's father, Ralph, stood in the back with his brother Hunter and twin Ace. Kelly, the basketball phenom's mother, stood beside the No. 1 pick in the interview with ESPN's Monica McNutt. The Flagg family joined him for the special occasion.

The basketball star told the host he would not have achieved his dream without his family. Flagg also thanked his fans who went to Barclays Center to cheer for him and the people left behind in Maine who couldn't join him.

Fans react to Cooper Flagg's first interview after Mavericks made him No. 1 pick

Although fans expected the Dallas Mavericks to get Cooper Flagg, many were still excited to hear NBA commissioner Adam Silver announce his name. With thousands attending the draft and many more watching on TV, Flagg's first interview as a pro went viral.

Some promptly reacted to the heartwarming scene in Brooklyn:

One fan said:

Another fan added:

One more fan continued:

Another fan reacted:

Flagg has the summer to spend with his family and prepare for his rookie campaign in the NBA. By late September, he will join the Dallas Mavericks for training camp. The Newport, Maine, native fulfilled his dream of playing pro basketball.

With the draft in the rearview mirror, Flagg begins the journey of meeting the lofty expectations fans have put on him. Regardless of what lies ahead, he has the support and love of his family.

Also Read: "He got you Cooper Flagg bruh": NBA Twitter slams Mavericks fans for "Fire Nico" chants at watch party for 2025 NBA Draft

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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Edited by Michael Macasero