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Cooper Flagg is a young basketball player who has caught everyone’s attention. He was born on December 21, 2006, which makes him just 18 years old in 2025. At this young age, he has already done things that most players only dream of. He grew up in Newport, Maine, and started playing basketball as a kid. His talent showed up fast, and soon he was one of the best high school players in the country. After high school, he went to Duke University for one year before heading to the NBA. We feel amazed watching someone so young rise so quickly.
Cooper Flagg was selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft. For him and the team, this was a pivotal moment. The Mavericks didn’t expect to get the top pick, but they were thrilled when they did. At 18, Cooper Flagg is one of the youngest players ever chosen first in the draft. Fans and analysts can’t stop talking about him, wondering how far he can go. His journey from a small town to the NBA feels exciting, and many people are cheering for him to succeed with the Mavericks.
His Time at Duke University
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Cooper Flagg spent one year at Duke University, and he was incredible there. As a forward, he averaged 19.2 points per game, grabbed 7.5 rebounds, dished out 4.2 assists, and added 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals. Those numbers show how good he was at everything on the court. He stood tall at 6’9” and used his height and skills to help his team a lot. His vision and defense made him stand out, and he quickly became a leader for Duke. It’s fun to think about how much he achieved in just one season.
During his time at Duke, Cooper Flagg led the team to the NCAA Final Four, which is a big deal in college basketball. He also won the National Player of the Year award, a prize given to the best college player. His stats and awards prove he was one of the top players in the country. Duke had a strong season with his help, winning many games and making fans proud. Even though they didn’t win the championship, his impact was clear. We can’t help but admire how he shined so brightly in such a short time.
Cooper Flagg’s NBA Contract
Cooper Flagg signed a four-year rookie contract with the Dallas Mavericks worth £45.6 million ($62.7 million). This deal means he’ll earn £10 million ($13.8 million) in his first season alone. That’s a lot of money for an 18-year-old starting his career. The Mavericks believe he’s worth it because of his talent and potential to help the team win. His contract is just the beginning of what could be a big future in the NBA. It feels impressive to see a young player get such a deal right away.
If Cooper Flagg plays really well, he could earn even more money later. Analysts say he might get supermax contracts worth £261 million ($359 million) and then £370 million ($509 million) if he makes All-NBA teams. By the time he’s 31, his total earnings could reach £677 million ($930 million). These numbers show how much faith people have in him. The Mavericks hope he’ll grow into a star who leads them to success.
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What Is Cooper Flagg’s Net Worth?
As of mid-2025, Cooper Flagg’s net worth is about $4.8 million. This is a big amount for someone so young, and it comes mostly from his time before the NBA. While he was at Duke, he made money through deals that let him use his name, image, and likeness, also called NIL deals. These deals turned his fame into cash, even before he played a single pro game. It’s pretty cool to think about how he built this wealth so early in life.
Cooper Flagg worked with big companies like Gatorade, New Balance, and Fanatics during his college year. These brands paid him a total of £20 million ($28 million) to promote their products. That’s a huge sum for a college player, showing how popular he already was. His NIL deals gave him a strong start financially before joining the Mavericks. Now, with his NBA contract, his net worth will keep growing.
Is Cooper Flagg Like LeBron James?
People compare Cooper Flagg to LeBron James because of a few key things. Both were picked first in the NBA Draft, and both can do many things well on the court. At Duke, Cooper Flagg showed he could score, pass, and defend, much like LeBron did when he was young. His height of 6’9” and smart playing style remind fans of LeBron’s early days. The idea that he might follow in LeBron’s footsteps gets us excited about his future in basketball.
Experts have mixed thoughts about this comparison. Kendrick Perkins, a former player, said on ESPN that Cooper Flagg is like a mix of LeBron James and Kevin Garnett because of his skills and energy. Brian Scalabrine praised his basketball IQ too. But some say LeBron was faster and stronger, while Cooper Flagg plays more carefully. Others compare him to players like Franz Wagner or Andrei Kirilenko instead. It’s interesting to hear different views, and we wonder which one will turn out right.
Media Attention on Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg gets a lot of attention from the media and fans everywhere. In Maine, where he’s from, people call him a bigger star than Taylor Swift. National TV and websites talk about him all the time, often linking him to NBA legends. On social media, like Reddit, fans debate how good he’ll become. His fame has grown fast, and it’s amazing to see how much people care about him already. The buzz around Cooper Flagg makes basketball even more fun to follow.
LeBron James himself called Cooper Flagg a “winner” on a podcast called Mind the Game. He said Cooper Flagg fits well with the Mavericks’ older players like Klay Thompson, Kyrie Irving, and Anthony Davis. But all this praise comes with pressure. People expect him to be great right away, which isn’t easy for a young player. He’ll need to show leadership and handle tough moments. We hope he can stay strong with so many eyes watching him.
Cooper Flagg and American Basketball
The NBA has seen stars from other countries, like Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo, win big awards lately. Many fans want a new American player to take the spotlight, and Cooper Flagg could be that person. He’s a homegrown talent with the skills to lead a team. His success might make young players in the U.S. want to work harder. It feels good to think about an American star rising up again in the league.
Even if Cooper Flagg doesn’t become the next LeBron James, he’s already changing how people see new NBA players. His talent and story give hope for something fresh in basketball. With the Mavericks, he has a chance to grow and make a mark. Fans in America and beyond will watch him closely. We’re eager to see how he might shape the future of the game over the years.