Maverick’s Shocking Draft Buzz: Harrison Reportedly Eyeing Kevin Quiambao Over Cooper Flagg for No. 1 Pick

Maverick’s Shocking Draft Buzz: Harrison Reportedly Eyeing Kevin Quiambao Over Cooper Flagg for No. 1 Pick
In a move that would send shockwaves across the NBA, sources close to the Dallas Mavericks organization are indicating that General Manager Nico Harrison is considering a highly unconventional strategy for the upcoming NBA Draft. Despite holding the coveted No. 1 overall pick and the widely projected availability of phenom Cooper Flagg, whispers suggest Harrison may instead target Filipino standout Kevin Quiambao.
This rumored internal discussion directly contradicts the prevailing sentiment around the draft, where Flagg, the highly touted forward from Duke, has consistently been labeled as the consensus top prospect. Flagg’s two-way ability and immense potential have made him a near-unanimous choice for the first selection, and the Mavericks, having unexpectedly landed the No. 1 pick in the lottery, were widely expected to select him.
However, if true, this shift in focus to Quiambao would align with some of Harrison’s less conventional roster decisions in the past. While Quiambao, a versatile forward who has impressed in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) and with the Filipino national team, is a promising talent, he is not currently projected as a lottery pick, let alone the No. 1 overall selection. His size (6’4″ according to some reports, though others list him at 6’7″) and overall draft stock are significantly lower than Flagg’s.
Quiambao has showcased his versatility, strong basketball IQ, and ability to shoot from beyond the arc, averaging impressive numbers in the KBL. He is also reportedly planning to train in the U.S. for an NBA Summer League shot, indicating his ambition to reach the league.
The rationale behind such a bold move from Harrison remains speculative. It could be a testament to the Mavericks’ belief in Quiambao’s untapped potential, a desire to find a unique fit for their existing roster alongside stars, or perhaps even a strategic move to secure additional assets through trades down the draft board. Whatever the reason, if the Mavericks were to indeed pass on Cooper Flagg for Kevin Quiambao with the No. 1 pick, it would undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about decisions in recent NBA Draft history.