Context:

Cooper Flagg, projected as the first-overall pick in the NBA Draft, made his New Balance debut at the NBA Draft Combine, marking a significant transition from his college career at Nike-sponsored Duke. Signed with New Balance since August 2024, Flagg's move to the professional realm sees him as a prominent face for the brand's basketball category, aligning with his long-term endorsement deal. During the combine, Flagg showcased the New Balance Hesi Low V2 sneakers, specifically opting for a vibrant colorway from the 'Flavors Pack', which underscores New Balance's strategic marketing push. His association with New Balance is rooted in shared values and a community-focused ethos, which Flagg emphasizes as a driving factor in his partnership. With the Dallas Mavericks securing the top draft pick, Flagg is expected to join them, potentially receiving a signature shoe from New Balance, placing him alongside Kawhi Leonard as a notable endorser.

Dive Deeper:

• Cooper Flagg, a standout freshman from Duke, has emerged as a top prospect in the NBA Draft, capturing attention with his exceptional performances and anticipated first-overall selection.

• Flagg transitioned from wearing Nike at Duke to representing New Balance, marking a significant shift as he begins his professional basketball career with a new brand partnership.

• At the NBA Draft Combine, Flagg made his New Balance debut by wearing the Hesi Low V2 sneakers, specifically choosing a bold pink and orange colorway from the 'Flavors Pack' collection.

• New Balance's strategic partnership with Flagg reflects their commitment to expanding their presence in the basketball market, with Flagg poised to become a central figure in their promotional efforts.

• Flagg's collaboration with New Balance is deeply rooted in mutual values and a community-oriented approach, which he cites as important factors in his decision to join the brand.

• Following the Dallas Mavericks' unexpected win in the NBA Draft Lottery, Flagg is likely to join the team, enhancing his visibility and influence as a New Balance athlete.

• New Balance is expected to develop a signature shoe for Flagg, solidifying his status as a key figure in their athletic endorsement lineup, alongside established players like Kawhi Leonard.

• The NBA's draft cycle is nearing its dramatic conclusion, with the draft lottery complete and the combine well underway. 

• The name on everyone's lips for this entire season has been Cooper Flagg, the Maine product who had a historic freshman season with the Duke Blue Devils. 

• As Flagg moves from college to the pros, he also swaps the logos on his shoes, moving from the Nike-sponsored Duke and becoming the face of New Balance basketball. 

• Cooper Flagg makes New Balance debut at NBA Draft Combine

  Cooper Flagg has been signed to New Balance since August 2024, with the brand making a big bet on a player assumed by many to be one of the next superstars of the NBA. 

• Cooper Flagg's full #NBADraftCombine 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/8CdNYZUi4c

• — NBA (@NBA) May 13, 2025 Before he could assume the mantle of the face of New Balance basketball, he had to play out a freshman season with NCAA powerhouse Duke - who have long been a Nike stronghold. 

• He as allowed to represent NB off-court through an NIL deal, wearing their casual sneakers to games and other events, but on court he had to wear Nike, usually opting for the Kobe 6. 

• But as his life as a professional begins, so too does his new sneaker life, with Flagg making his true New Balance debut at the NBA Draft Combine.

• Flagg competed drills in a pair of the New Balance Hesi Low V2, opting for the pink and oragne colorway from the recently-released 'Flavors Pack'. 

• Projected #1 pick Cooper Flagg laced up the “Flavors Pack” edition of the New Balance Hesi V2 at the NBA Draft Combine.
  
  Flagg signed a long-term deal with New Balance last summer and now will begin his NBA career as a featured face of the brand’s basketball category. pic.twitter.com/Vito0d0gOP

• — Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) May 13, 2025 The Hesi Low V2 is a favourite model of fellow NB athlete Darius Garland, who has opted for the shoe throughout Cleveland's 2025 playoff run. 

• "I grew up wearing New Balance, and I appreciate their authentic connection to my community," Flagg said in 2024 after signing to the brand.

• "The focus and growth of the brand in basketball and our shared values and history drew me in.

• "From day one, it was clear that this would be a family-like partnership. I’m so excited to join this family and help them grow the category with young athletes." 

• The young star is all but assured to be heading to Dallas next season, after the Mavericks pulled off a shock-upset and won Tuesday's NBA Draft Lottery. 

• It is not yet known when Flagg will receive a signature shoe, but New Balance will likely craft a model for the young star early in his career, seeing him join Kawhi Leonard as the brand's only signature athletes.