Emotional Reason Behind Cooper Flagg's Choice of Jersey Number with the Mavericks
Cooper Flagg, the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, chooses to wear No. 32 for the Dallas Mavericks, reflecting a family legacy.
The Dallas Mavericks faced little uncertainty when it was time to utilize the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Predictably, Duke sensation Cooper Flagg was announced shortly after they were on the clock. Flagg, the standout player from Duke, dominated the freshman rankings and now joins a Mavericks roster filled with established talents, aiming for immediate competition.
As he transitions from Durham to Dallas, Flagg is also changing his jersey number. He will switch from No. 2 at Duke back to No. 32, a number he wore in high school.
FLAGG CAPTURED!
WELCOME TO DALLAS, COOPER! @Academy // #FlaggCaptured #MFFLWelcome Cooper — Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) June 26, 2025
Interestingly, No. 32 is a family number. Cooper’s mother, Kelly, wore it during high school, inspired by Duke legend Christian Laettner, and this decision creates a poignant reminder since the number was unavailable to him at Duke due to Laettner’s jersey being retired.
While at Duke, Flagg adopted No. 2 for deeply personal reasons, paying tribute to Donovan Kurt, a late friend of his older brother who succumbed to cancer shortly before Flagg’s recruitment.
“I wouldn’t be here without these people right here,” Flagg expressed to ESPN, surrounded by family shortly after his selection, “and all my people back home in Maine. They’re here for me, and I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Now, Cooper will return to the legacy of No. 32, anticipated to see plenty of jerseys supporting him across Dallas as the season approaches.
