Dallas Basketball

Mavericks' Jason Kidd hints at 2025 NBA Draft plans

Kidd has his eyes set on one particular player.
Keenan Womack|
Apr 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd looks on during the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Apr 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd looks on during the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks landed the first-overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft on May 12 at the lottery in Chicago, helping to heal a fanbase that has been in revolt since the ill-fated Luka Doncic trade just three months prior.

Though some fans will never recover and have joined the Lakers fandom, the die-hard Dallasites rejoiced when it was announced that their embattled franchise would have control of the top pick this season. In a top-heavy class of prospects, landing inside of the very top was crucial for helping to turn the organization back into a contender, even if it's not immediately.

READ MORE: Mavericks among brightest futures after winning Cooper Flagg lottery

On Monday, Jason Kidd went on the DLLS Mavs Podcast to discuss with the hosts a myriad of topics, but most importantly, answer the question: who will Dallas select first overall?

In no surprising turn of events, Jason Kidd hinted that the Mavericks "love that kid from Duke," of course referencing freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, who won National Player of the Year last season for a Blue Devils squad that made it to the Final Four and won the ACC regular-season and tournament championships. He also mentioned the two Rutgers stars as possible candidates (Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey) but refocused on the consensus top candidate at the end of his statement.

READ MORE: Mavericks cast-offs win NBA award with Knicks

Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg
Mar 21, 2025; Raleigh, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) celebrates during the second half against the Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists last season while shooting 48% from the field, 39% from three, and 84% from the free-throw line, as well as amassing 2.8 steals and blocks combined per game, underlining his two-way ability.

For a team whose GM pushed the oft-lambasted mantra "defense wins championships" in excusing the Doncic trade, drafting Flagg may actually help them to be a team that locks down opposing offenses.

READ MORE: Trade proposal sends $118 million guard from Celtics to Mavericks

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Keenan Womack
KEENAN WOMACK

Keenan Womack is a sportswriter native to Dallas, Texas, who has spent the last 12 years in Austin, the home of his alma mater, the University of Texas. Keenan has covered sports for SB Nation, Bleacher Report, Rivals/Orangebloods, a host of his own sites and now, Fan Nation. Focusing on basketball, Keenan was on the beat for the Longhorns hoops team for the last two-and-a-half years before moving on to pursue other opportunities. He is married and lives with his wife close to the Moody Center, so they can continue to catch games together.

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