Cooper Flagg was the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. After the Dallas Mavericks controversially traded Luka Doncic earlier in the year, they lucked out in the lottery and drafted him. However, despite the hype Flagg had coming into the draft, it’s quieted down during the offseason.
Part of it is likely because he has joined the Mavericks. It’s rare for a talent of his caliber to end up on a contender, but now that he is on one, he isn’t the only focus of attention. Some people don’t see an issue with an understated start to Flagg’s career, but Marc J. Spears thinks the NBA isn’t doing enough to promote the young star.
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Marc Spears on Cooper Flagg:
“NBA what are you doing? Why aren’t you promoting this guy? Get on the train. I don’t see him (in the promotions). Nobody’s talking about this guy and they’re making a mistake”
h/t @ohnohedidnt24 pic.twitter.com/VQ1rLkxqDu
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) October 6, 2025
“Why is it so quiet about this guy?” Spears asked on ESPN. “Where is the choo choo, the Cooper Flagg train. I don’t get it. NBA, what are you doing? Why aren’t you promoting this guy? Get on the train, this dude is gonna be a star… He should be in all the promotions, I don’t see him… Nobody’s talking about this guy, they’re making a mistake… Don’t sleep on this kid.”
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg looks on during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
In his preseason debut against the OKC Thunder on Monday night, Flagg had 10 points, six rebounds, and three assists. He also managed a highlight block. Even if it feels like the NBA hasn’t done enough to truly market the young superstar yet, his play will likely force them to do it sooner rather than later.
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