Photo credit : My Khel
The NBA world was left stunned on Monday night. The Dallas Mavericks, with only a 1.8% chance, clinched the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. This unexpected lottery win positions the franchise to potentially select Duke’s Cooper Flagg — a name already buzzing across the league.
Historic Jump for Dallas
The Mavericks leapt ten spots in the draft order. According to ESPN Research, it's the largest jump in NBA lottery history. This comes just three months after the franchise traded superstar Luka Doncic to the Lakers — a move that drew heavy backlash.
Despite criticism, the Mavericks are now in prime position to rebuild.
A Day to Celebrate for Mavs Fans
Team CEO Rick Welts couldn’t hide his excitement. Clutching the envelope with the golden No. 1, he said, “I can’t imagine a better day for Mavs fans.”
Welts, who joined the organization in January, acknowledged the emotional rollercoaster since the Doncic deal. “Feb. 1, we broke the internet. Today, we restored the hope.”
Cooper Flagg: The Likely No. 1 Pick
Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward from Duke, has long been considered the top prize of the 2025 draft. He reclassified to graduate high school early and didn’t just live up to the hype — he surpassed it.
In his freshman season, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. He led Duke to a 35-4 record and a Final Four berth. Along the way, he scooped up nearly every major national player of the year award.
While the Mavericks haven’t confirmed their selection, Flagg is the frontrunner. “Every time people questioned him, he delivered,” said Welts.
Spurs, Sixers, Hornets Follow in Draft Order
The San Antonio Spurs secured the second pick. After winning Rookie of the Year honors with Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, the Spurs now have another top-tier draft opportunity.
Coach Mitch Johnson emphasized the importance: “We’re in a spot to add another impact player. That’s what we aim to do.”
Philadelphia landed the third pick, while Charlotte secured the fourth.
Lottery Favorites Left Disappointed
Utah, Washington, and Charlotte entered the night with the best odds — 14% each — but didn’t land in the top three. Instead, they’ll pick fifth, sixth, and fourth, respectively.
New Orleans, which had a 12.5% chance, will draft seventh. The rest of the order rounds out with Brooklyn (8), Toronto (9), Houston (10), Portland (11), Chicago (12), Atlanta (13), and San Antonio again at 14.
The new lottery format, introduced in 2019 to curb tanking, continues to produce surprise winners. In fact, the team with the worst record has yet to win since the changes took effect.
Rising Stars to Watch Beyond Flagg
While Flagg is the likely top pick, other promising talents are close behind.
Rutgers freshmen Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey are high on draft boards. Harper, a 6-foot-6 point guard, broke the school’s freshman scoring record. His ball-handling, vision, and finishing have NBA scouts intrigued.
Ace Bailey, also from Rutgers, joins a loaded class that includes Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, Texas wing Tre Johnson, Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears, and Duke center Khaman Maluach.
“This draft is deep, especially at the top,” said 76ers executive Daryl Morey. “We’re excited about our options.”
A New Era Begins in Dallas
After parting with Doncic, the Mavericks have a chance to redefine their future. With the No. 1 pick and Cooper Flagg in sight, Dallas fans have new hope — and a new chapter — to look forward to.
