🎄 A Star is Born: Cooper Flagg Becomes First No. 1 Pick Since LeBron to Debut on Christmas Day
Boston, MA — December 25, 2025
In a moment that feels more like destiny than coincidence, Cooper Flagg, the 2025 No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick, will step onto the national stage as the first top selection since LeBron James (2003) to play on Christmas Day in his rookie year. It’s not just a game — it’s a coronation.
The NBA, always meticulous in curating its Christmas Day matchups, reserved this sacred spotlight for players who transcend hype. And Flagg, the Maine-born phenom drafted by the Boston Celtics, has already proven he’s more than just hype — he’s history in motion.
“Cooper’s presence is electric,” said Celtics Head Coach Joe Mazzulla, whose squad currently sits atop the Eastern Conference. “You don’t schedule a rookie for Christmas unless you know he’s special. He’s earned it.”
From Newport to the NBA
Flagg’s meteoric rise began in the quiet coastal town of Newport, Maine. But by the time he dominated at Montverde Academy and led Team USA to a gold medal in the U18 FIBA World Cup, his name was already etched on every draft board.
His high school mixtapes went viral. His college season at Duke turned heads. And when the 2025 NBA Draft rolled around, there was no debate: Cooper Flagg was the future.
Boston traded up for the top pick, giving up a haul to secure Flagg’s rights. That gamble is already paying dividends.
Rookie of the Year? MVP Talks?
Through his first 25 games, Flagg is averaging 21.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game, leading all rookies and outperforming even the boldest expectations. Analysts have begun whispering not just about Rookie of the Year, but All-Star selection, and even future MVP contention.
“He’s the most complete 18-year-old we’ve ever seen in this league,” said former Celtic and NBA analyst Paul Pierce. “It’s LeBron-esque.”
The Christmas Day Debut
The Celtics’ Christmas Day game is set against the Los Angeles Lakers, adding fuel to a historic rivalry — but now with a twist: Flagg vs. Bronny James, LeBron’s son, who was selected 14th overall by L.A.
The NBA couldn’t script it better: the son of the last rookie No. 1 pick to play on Christmas now facing the next in line.
“It’s surreal,” Flagg said at the team’s media session. “Growing up, I watched LeBron’s Christmas games like a holiday tradition. Now I get to be part of that legacy.”
The game will tip off at 5:00 PM EST and is expected to draw one of the highest Christmas Day viewerships in NBA history. Jerseys have already sold out in multiple states.
A New Era Begins
This Christmas, fans won’t just be watching a game. They’ll be witnessing the official arrival of basketball’s next great chapter.
In the words of LeBron James himself: “Cooper’s different. He’s got it. Welcome to the show, young king.”
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