Mavericks Snatch Top Pick, Set to Draft Cooper Flagg in Stunning Lottery Upset

In a stunning turn of events that defied all expectations, the Dallas Mavericks have defied the odds and secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. With a mere 1.8% chance of landing the coveted top spot, the Mavericks’ victory in the lottery has sent shockwaves throughout the league, reshaping the landscape of the upcoming draft and potentially altering the team’s trajectory for years to come.

The Mavericks’ improbable win comes after a tumultuous season marked by controversy and disappointment. The team’s controversial decision to trade superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis in early February drew widespread criticism from fans and analysts alike. Despite making the play-in tournament, the Mavericks ultimately failed to reach the playoffs, further fueling the narrative that the trade had backfired.

However, fortune has smiled upon the Mavericks, presenting them with an opportunity to redeem themselves and inject new life into their roster. With the No. 1 pick in hand, the Mavericks are widely expected to select Cooper Flagg, the Duke University standout who has emerged as the consensus top prospect in the 2025 draft class.

Flagg, a versatile and highly skilled forward, has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s all-time greats. His exceptional athleticism, scoring prowess, and defensive tenacity have made him a coveted prospect, and his arrival in Dallas could provide the Mavericks with the franchise cornerstone they desperately need.

While the possibility of trading the No. 1 pick always exists, such deals are exceedingly rare, particularly when a player of Flagg’s caliber is available. The Mavericks are likely to seize the opportunity to add a potential superstar to their roster, pairing him with Anthony Davis and other key players such as Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson to form a formidable core.

Mavericks president of basketball operations and general manager Nico Harrison, who faced intense scrutiny for the Doncic trade, now has a chance to silence his critics and solidify his position within the organization. By selecting Flagg, Harrison can demonstrate his ability to identify and acquire top-tier talent, potentially transforming the Mavericks into a perennial contender.

For Flagg, joining the Mavericks would offer a unique opportunity to develop his skills and contribute to a team with championship aspirations. Unlike joining a rebuilding franchise, Flagg would be surrounded by established veterans, easing the pressure and allowing him to grow and mature at his own pace.

Beyond the on-court implications, Flagg is also poised to reap significant financial rewards. Already boasting endorsement deals with major brands like New Balance and Gatorade, Flagg is set to sign a lucrative rookie contract worth approximately $62 million over four years.

Lottery Winners and Losers

While the Mavericks emerged as the clear victors in the draft lottery, several other teams experienced varying degrees of success and disappointment:

San Antonio Spurs: Winners

The San Antonio Spurs, led by rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, experienced a significant jump in the lottery, moving from the eighth slot to the No. 2 overall pick. With a mere 12.3% chance of landing in the top two, the Spurs defied the odds and now have a valuable asset to either select another promising prospect or trade for a proven player to accelerate their rebuilding process. The Spurs also have the No. 14 pick in the first round.

Philadelphia 76ers: Winners

The Philadelphia 76ers, a team already in win-now mode with stars like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, also benefited from the lottery. Projected to pick fifth, the Sixers moved up to third, securing a valuable asset to add to their championship aspirations. The Sixers, also featuring Paul George and 2024-25 rookie Jared McCain, avoided the possibility of losing their pick to Oklahoma City and now have a prime opportunity to bolster their roster.

Washington Wizards: Losers

The Washington Wizards, along with the Charlotte Hornets and Utah Jazz, entered the lottery with the best odds of securing the No. 1 pick. However, the Wizards experienced the worst possible outcome, falling to the No. 6 pick. While they still have a chance to draft a quality player, the Wizards missed out on the opportunity to potentially land a transformative talent like Flagg. They will need to add to a young roster that features Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, Bilal Coulibaly, AJ Johnson and Kyshawn George.

Utah Jazz: Losers

The Utah Jazz, who finished the season with the worst record in the league, also suffered a disappointing outcome in the lottery, dropping to the No. 5 pick. Despite having a 52.1% chance of landing in the top four, the Jazz fell victim to the lottery’s unpredictable nature, missing out on the chance to potentially draft Flagg or another top prospect.

Charlotte Hornets: Neither

The Charlotte Hornets were projected to pick fourth and ended up with the fourth pick. They will need to add to their young core and try to build around players like Brandon Miller.

The Impact of Flattened Lottery Odds

The NBA implemented flattened lottery odds in 2020 to discourage tanking, ensuring that the teams with the worst records no longer had a significantly higher chance of landing the top pick. While this has somewhat reduced the incentive for teams to intentionally lose games, tanking remains a prevalent strategy, as evidenced by the fact that teams like the Jazz, Wizards, and Hornets still vied for the worst record in the league.

Ultimately, the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the draft process and the importance of luck. The Mavericks’ improbable victory has reshaped the landscape of the upcoming draft, and the team now stands poised to add a potential superstar in Cooper Flagg. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Dallas to see how they utilize their newfound fortune and what impact Flagg will have on the franchise.