No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg predicts his toughest challenge before rookie season

NBA no.1 draft pick Cooper Flagg believes defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder will be the team to beat in the next 2025-26 season. OKC were able to win their second NBA championship after beating Indiana Pacers in the finals.

Players like Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Jalen Williams were able to consistently deliver for the Thunder to take them to glory. 

“You know, I’ll just say the Thunder in general,” Flagg said while speaking to the Athletic. “You know, they’re young. They got a lot of good pieces. So that’s going to be a tough team to beat.”

Meanwhile, Flagg led the Duke in points, rebounds, assists and steals and he was a big favorite for the number one pick. The 18-year-old thus played an instrumental role in taking the Blue Devils to the Final Four in last season.

Flagg became the second-youngest No. 1 pick of all time, after LeBron James. The 18-year-old won the Wooden Award and the Naismith Award, averaging 19.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals while leading the Blue Devils to a 35-4 record and a Final Four appearance.

The Mavericks have players like Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving and James said Flagg will benefit hugely while playing with experienced players.

On the other hand, former NBA player Tim Legler urged Flagg to improve his shooting. The youngster shot 38.5% from behind the arch but he only attempted 3.6 3-point shots per game.

“Alongside Anthony Davis and a rim-running center, you would love to have a three that can be comfortable out to 24 feet or catch and shoots and also get his own out to 24 feet off the dribble,” Legler said on the DLLS Mavs Podcast. “Right now, he’s got, I think, some mechanical issues that he’s gotta iron out to get to that level.”