Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the June draft, shined as one of Duke’s top college players. However, he hasn’t received as much publicity as other NBA newcomers. Ahead of the 2025–26 season, NBA analyst Marc Spears delivered strong criticism toward the league’s lack of promotion.
Flagg was one of the most talked-about prospects before and during the NBA Draft. Yet, once he joined the Mavericks, his media presence seemed to fade. On Monday’s episode of NBA Today, Spears voiced his frustration about the situation.
A big question for the NBA
According to the New York Post, Spears said: “Why is it so quiet around this guy?… Where’s the choo choo, the Cooper Flagg train? I don’t get it. NBA, what are you doing? Why aren’t you promoting this kid? Last year, I saw him train in Las Vegas with Brandon Miller, Trey Murphy, and Jalen Suggs… and one of the coaches told me he was the best player on the court.”
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
He added, “I mean, he was only 17 at the time. He won’t even turn 19 until Christmas. Get on board — this guy is going to be a superstar. He should be in every promo, but I don’t see him anywhere.” Spears’ remarks served as a direct challenge to the league.
“Don’t sleep on this kid,” he insisted. Indeed, Flagg’s single season at Duke was outstanding, averaging 19.2 points per game, 48.1% shooting from the field, and 38.5% from three-point range.
Flagg’s debut year earned him AP Player of the Year, the Naismith Award, and U.S. Basketball Writers Association Player of the Year. His achievements made it clear why the Mavericks selected him first overall in the draft.
