Following his selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, Cooper Flagg has found himself at the centre of online attention, but not just for his basketball prowess.
A viral video circulating on social media shows the highly touted rookie kissing another male on the lips in what appears to be a classroom setting. Immediately after the kiss, Flagg displays a facial expression of surprise or discomfort. The brief moment, captured on camera, has sparked widespread conversation online.
Flagg, an 18-year-old forward from Newport, Maine, gained national fame as a standout high school player and then solidified his reputation at Duke University. Known for his elite athleticism, basketball IQ, and defensive versatility, he was widely expected to go first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. His arrival in Dallas is seen as a major addition to the Mavericks’ future core.
While his top draft position didn’t come as a surprise, the leaked video certainly has. Uploaded to X (formerly Twitter), the clip has amassed over 16 million views, dividing opinions across the NBA fanbase.
Online reactions ranged from support to disbelief. “Damn I like him even more now,” one user commented, while another remarked, “What the hell.” A cheeky take read, “Even boys are begging to kiss Cooper??? Wow he might be bigger than Luka Doncic already.”
Some fans drew comparisons to past rookie controversies. “At least it ain’t worse than the Josh Christopher video,” one person added.
Although the video seems intended as a joke, its viral spread places Flagg under immediate public scrutiny as he enters the league. As the first overall pick, every move—on or off the court—is now under the spotlight.
Earlier this week, Flagg also made headlines for a subtle side-eye glance at general manager Nico Harrison when a reporter brought up Luka Doncic during a press conference. That moment, too, gained traction on social media.
Whether the kiss video affects Flagg’s image or not remains to be seen, but there’s no denying the young star is already a household name, even before his first NBA game.
