With the Dallas Mavericks winning the NBA Draft lottery, Cooper Flagg could be stepping into a rookie situation eerily similar to the one Jayson Tatum had with the Boston Celtics.
Both stars came out of Duke, both entered the league on well-built rosters, and both had Kyrie Irving as a prominent teammate. Back in Tatum’s rookie year, injuries to Irving and Gordon Hayward opened up key minutes and responsibilities, allowing Tatum to grow quickly—especially during the playoffs. A similar opportunity could await Flagg, particularly if he’s seen as a future cornerstone next to Luka Doncic.
Of course, the Mavs aren’t in exactly the same spot Boston was. The Celtics were already a top-tier team when they drafted Tatum and added Irving that summer, while Dallas is still clawing to rejoin the Western elite.
That said, the Mavericks aren’t lacking in talent. With Anthony Davis, Kyrie (when healthy), Dereck Lively II, and PJ Washington, they’ve got a strong foundation that could land them in the Play-In. And in a crowded 2025 Western Conference, being on a competitive squad early in his career could fast-track Flagg’s development.
If Davis stays healthy and the Mavs’ defense clicks with a Flagg-Davis-Lively trio, Dallas might surprise people. Making the Play-In could give Flagg a shot at some postseason minutes—just like Tatum had in his debut season.
Plus, “Mavs just handed Cooper Flagg the golden rookie setup Jayson Tatum once had.” The comparison isn’t just about the situation. From body type and scoring style to their all-around versatility, Flagg has frequently drawn parallels to Tatum. He’s even been likened to defensive legends like Scottie Pippen and Kawhi Leonard.
If Flagg lives up to the hype and helps the Mavs push into the playoffs, he might not just mirror Tatum’s path—he could rival it.
