Cooper Flagg: Dallas’ No.1 pick gains 100,000 new followers less than 12 hours after the NBA Draft

When Cooper Flagg was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft, the basketball world knew he was special, but no one expected him to take over social media this quickly.

Within just hours of his draft announcement, Flagg gained over 100,000 new Instagram followers, exploding from 1.2 million to 1.3 million overnight. 

It’s a meteoric social boost that underscores his instant star power as one of the hottest prospects in the NBA.

“Honestly, I’m feeling amazing. It’s a dream come true,” Flagg told reporters post-draft as per ESPN, with his family by his side. 

“I wouldn’t want to share this moment with anybody else.”

Flagg’s rapid social media growth is now one of the biggest talking points from draft night.

 In a league where marketability is king, Flagg’s Instagram boom signals commercial gold.

NBA fans, influencers, brands, and celebrities rushed to his page in droves, triggering one of the fastest follower spikes seen for a draft pick in recent years.

Dallas, a team in desperate need of a new face after Dončić’s departure, seems to have struck gold.

“When people talk about Cooper, they don’t just talk about basketball,” General Manager Harrison said.

 “They talk about his work ethic, his character, his influence. That’s the guy you want leading your franchise.”

The Mavericks, who shocked the league with their blockbuster trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, are now looking to rebuild both on the court and in public perception. General Manager Nico Harrison admitted:

“I knew Luka meant a lot to the fans, but I didn’t fully grasp how deep that was. Cooper gives us a fresh start—he’s the kind of player you can build around, long-term.”

Flagg’s draft selection wasn’t just a talent grab, it was a business move. 

Harrison described Flagg as a “generational talent” and added:

“He helps us win now, and he helps us win in the future. Eventually, this will be Cooper’s team.”

Flagg joins a stacked frontcourt that includes Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and P.J. Washington. 

His ability to fit alongside these veterans while growing into his role is part of Dallas’s long-term vision.