Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
Mavericks Stun NBA with Lottery Win, Secure Top Draft Pick
In a surprising turn, the Dallas Mavericks defied the odds to win the NBA Draft Lottery, landing the coveted top overall pick for the first time in franchise history. Despite a mere 1.8 percent chance, Dallas outperformed their Texas rivals, the San Antonio Spurs, to secure the opportunity to draft a potential franchise cornerstone.
Draft Order and Top Prospects
Following the Mavericks’ victory, the draft order shapes up as follows:
- San Antonio Spurs: Second Overall Pick
- Philadelphia 76ers: Third Overall Pick
- Charlotte Hornets: Fourth Overall Pick
- Utah Jazz: Fifth Overall Pick
Background of the Shocking Win
The Mavericks’ journey this year has been tumultuous. General Manager Nico Harrison faced scrutiny following a controversial trade that sent star player Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for a package centered around Anthony Davis. This unexpected lottery win, in part due to the team’s altered composition following the trade, presents Harrison with the chance to select a new premier talent.
Cooper Flagg: The Likely First Selection?
Duke freshman Cooper Flagg is widely projected to be the number one pick in the NBA Draft, set to take place on June 25 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Dallas Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison now has the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft.
Cooper Flagg, a Duke freshman, is likely headed to the Mavericks with the top selection.
Flagg, a native of Maine, was the top-rated high school recruit and chose Duke University, despite a late push from UConn.
Flagg’s Collegiate Performance
During his college career, Flagg averaged an impressive 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
With the Blue Devils, Flagg reached the Final Four in San Antonio. In the semifinal against Houston, his missed shot in the final moments cost Duke the game and a chance at the championship.
Despite the Final Four setback, Flagg received numerous individual accolades, including recognition as a National College Player of the Year from several organizations.
Other Potential Top Draft Picks
Besides Flagg, other highly anticipated prospects include Rutgers stars Dylan Harper (guard) and Ace Bailey (forward), both projected to be selected early.
Other notable prospects include VJ Edgecombe (Baylor forward), Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma guard), Tre Johnson (Texas guard), Derik Queen (Maryland center), and Flagg’s Duke teammates Kon Knueppel (guard) and Khaman Maluach (center).
Mavericks’ Draft History
Prior to the lottery system, Dallas previously held the first overall pick only once, selecting forward Mark Aguirre in 1981.
Dallas Sweep: WNBA and NBA Drafts
This year also saw the Dallas Wings secure the top pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Flagg was a top high school recruit and standout college player last year.
However, Flagg’s missed shot in the Final Four dashed his championship hopes.
The Dallas Wings also held the top pick in the WNBA Draft, selecting UConn’s Paige Bueckers first.
The Wings previously selected Paige Bueckers from UConn with their number one pick.
Dallas is now one of only two cities to hold both the No. 1 picks in the WNBA Draft and the NBA Draft within the same year.
The only other instance of this occurrence was in 2003, when the WNBA’s Cleveland Rockers chose LaToya Thomas from Mississippi State, prior to the franchise dissolving.
In the same year, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected LeBron James, a high school player from Ohio.