In a turn of events that shocked the basketball world, the Dallas Mavericks have secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, despite entering the lottery with just a 1.8% chance. This marks the largest jump in draft lottery history, with Dallas vaulting up 10 spots to claim the top selection.
The win is a dramatic reversal of fortune for a franchise still navigating the aftermath of trading superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February. That blockbuster trade, which stirred controversy among fans and pundits alike, now looks less dire as the Mavericks prepare to potentially land the most coveted prospect in recent memory — Duke sensation Cooper Flagg.
A New Chapter Begins in Dallas
“This is a huge day for the Mavericks organization and our fans,” said Dallas CEO Rick Welts. “I arrived in Dallas on January 1, and barely a month later, we made a trade that shook the NBA. To now have the No. 1 pick in hand — it’s simply incredible. Our fanbase deserves this moment.”
Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward, has been widely regarded as the top prospect in the class since announcing in 2023 that he would reclassify to enter college early. His freshman year at Duke validated the hype, as he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, while leading the Blue Devils to a 35-4 record and a Final Four appearance.
While the Mavericks have not officially confirmed their selection, Welts hinted at Flagg’s near-inevitable path to Dallas: “I don’t know who we’re going to take, but should we take him, his résumé speaks for itself.”
Ripple Effects Across the League
The Mavericks’ leap to the top slot reshuffles expectations across the NBA. The San Antonio Spurs, with a strong recent track record of developing elite young talent — including back-to-back Rookie of the Year winners Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle — will select second. Philadelphia and Charlotte will pick third and fourth, respectively.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson was upbeat about their position: “Landing in the top four again is a huge opportunity. It puts us in a place to add another franchise-changing talent.”
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Meanwhile, Utah and Washington, both holding the league’s worst records (17-65 and 18-64, respectively), were left outside the top four, selecting fifth and sixth. It’s a reminder that under the NBA’s flattened lottery odds system, instituted in 2019 to deter tanking, finishing at the bottom of the standings offers no guarantee of a top pick.
A Rare and Historic Lottery Upset
The Mavericks now join an exclusive group of teams who have won the draft lottery despite near-minimal odds. Only three teams have ever secured the top pick with lower probabilities — the 1993 Orlando Magic (1.52%), 2014 Cleveland Cavaliers (1.7%), and 2008 Chicago Bulls (1.7%).
Last year, the Atlanta Hawks pulled off a similar surprise, winning the lottery with just a 3% chance, suggesting a growing trend of unpredictability at the top of the draft.
The Rise of Cooper Flagg
Flagg’s ascension to top-pick status has been closely tracked by scouts and fans alike. The Maine native brought a rare blend of athleticism, court vision, and competitiveness to the college game, drawing comparisons to some of the league’s most versatile forwards.
“Every time people wondered if he could rise to the moment, he not only met the challenge — he exceeded it,” Welts said. “He’s built for this.”
Looking Ahead
Behind Flagg, the 2025 draft class boasts impressive depth. Projected top picks include Rutgers duo Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, both standout freshmen expected to go early in the draft. With San Antonio, Philadelphia, and Charlotte all looking to accelerate their rebuilds, the coming months will be filled with intrigue.
For Dallas, the lottery win provides an unexpected boost of momentum and a chance to reshape the team’s future in the wake of the Doncic era. What seemed like a franchise in limbo just months ago is now poised to make the most important draft selection in over a decade.
The NBA Draft is scheduled for June, and with the basketball world buzzing, all eyes are now on Dallas — and Cooper Flagg.
