The Dallas Mavericks drafted franchise-altering prospect Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick on Thursday night. Flagg won the Wooden Award while averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals per contest as an 18-year-old freshman.
Flagg has all the tools to be a superstar in the NBA, but how will he perform as a rookie in the NBA? Check out my favorite bets for Flagg’s first season in the NBA.
Cooper Flagg over 16.9 PTS (-115)
Flagg will eventually be joined by two fellow No. 1 overall picks, Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. However, after suffering a torn ACL last season, Irving is expected to be sidelined until January 2026. Although that may not be great for the Mavs’ chances of winning many games early, it gives more opportunities for their star rookie.
During his freshman season in college basketball, Flagg scored at least 20 points in 16 games and 27-plus points in seven. He displayed his versatile scoring abilities at Duke and is growing into an elite three-level scorer. It may take time for Flagg to develop into a 25-point scorer in the NBA, but averaging at least 17 per game is doable in his first season.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, you can get Flagg’s over in points at 16.9, which is priced at -115. Flagg scored 17 or more points in 22 of 37 games last season. I know the competition and physical level of the NBA are highly different from college, but Flagg has the perfect game to translate to the NBA.
Cooper Flagg over 6.1 rebounds (-115)
Getting Flagg to total more than 6.1 rebounds per game in his rookie season is a good play considering he averaged 7.5 at Duke. You can back Flagg in this area at -115 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Flagg had at least seven boards in 24 games this past season and led the Blue Devils in rebounding. Dallas has a stacked frontcourt with Flagg, Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively. I don’t worry much about Flagg having to battle for rebounds with his teammates since he should instantly be one of the top minute-getters on the team.
Team Special
Cooper Flagg to average 18+ PPG
Cooper Flagg to average 6+ RPG
Odds: +285
If you like the two bets above, check out this special parlay bet on DraftKings Sportsbook. Flagg recorded six-plus rebounds in 27 of the 37 games he appeared in while recording at least 18 points in 21 contests.
Four of the last six No. 1 overall picks averaged at least 18 points per game in their rookie season. During that span, three No. 1 picks averaged six or more boards in their first season. The last two Duke players to be drafted No. 1 overall, Paolo Banchero and Zion Williamson, surpassed this mark in points and rebounds in their first year.
