NEW YORK — Cooper Flagg is the new Maine man in Dallas.
The Mavericks took the Duke forward with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft Wednesday night, hoping they have found their next franchise superstar less than five months after trading one away.
Mavericks fans were furious when Dallas traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 1, some immediately threatening to end their support of the team.
But the ones who stuck around may quickly love Flagg, the college player of the year who averaged 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds while leading Duke to the Final Four. The Mavericks quickly announced that Flagg would wear No. 32 in Dallas, where fellow Duke products Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II are on the roster.
“I’m really excited. I think I keep saying I’m excited to be a sponge, to get down there and just learn, be surrounded by Hall of Fame-caliber guys and just to be able to learn from them,” Flagg said. “It’s going to be an incredible experience.”
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks had the Nos. 13 and 22 picks in the opening round but would eventually trade both during the night before landing University of Georgia standout Asa Newell with a trade with New Orleans after the Pelicans selected him 23rd.
Newell is the 40th Bulldog to selected in the NBA Draft and the ninth first-round pick, joining Anthony Edwards (No. 1 in 2020), Dominique Wilkins (No. 3 in 1982), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (No. 8 in 2013), Willie Anderson (No. 10 in 1988), Jarvis Hayes (No. 10 in 2003), Alec Kessler (No. 12 in 1990), Vern Fleming (No. 18 in 1984) and Jumaine Jones (No. 27 in 1999).
Newell averaged 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, becoming the first freshman to lead the Bulldogs in both scoring and rebounding in more than a quarter century (since Jumaine Jones in 1997-98). Among SEC statistical leaders, he finished the season ranked No. 14 in scoring (15.4 ppg), No. 9 in rebounding (6.9 rpg), No. 3 in field goal percentage (.543), No. 2 in offensive rebounding (3.3 orpg) and fifth in double-doubles (seven). Nationally, Newell ranked No. 50 overall and No. 3 among freshmen in field goal percentage.
2025 NBA Draft activity for the Atlanta Hawks
13. Atlanta Hawks (Traded to New Orleans Pelicans) — Derik Queen, forward/center, 6-9, 248, Maryland
Scouting report: Skilled freshman who averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds. Shot 76.6% on free throws and attempted 6.1 per game. Hit buzzer-beater to reach the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16. Made 7 of 35 3s (20%). Had combine’s worst standing vertical leap (23.5 inches) and tied for second-worst in max vertical (28.0).
22. Atlanta Hawks (traded to Brooklyn Nets) — Drake Powell, guard/forward, 6-6, 195, North Carolina
Scouting report: Freshman wing with perimeter size, athleticism and defensive potential. Shot 37.9% on 3-pointers. Has a 7-foot wingspan and combine’s best marks for standing vertical leap (37.5 inches) and max vertical leap (43.0).
23. New Orleans Pelicans (Traded to Atlanta Hawks) — Asa Newell, forward/center, 6-9, 224, Georgia
Scouting report: Five-star freshman helped the Bulldogs get back to the NCAAs for the first time in a decade. Ranked 22nd nationally at 3.33 offensive rebounds per game. Has athleticism to finish at the rim. Offers defensive versatility but needs bulk and shooting range (29.2% on 3s).
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