In a shocking twist of fate, the Dallas Mavericks secured the coveted number one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, held Monday, May 12, at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, USA. This victory marks a historic first for the Mavericks franchise, granting them the prime opportunity to select the highly-touted Duke University star forward, Cooper Flagg, during the upcoming NBA Draft scheduled for June 25 and 26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Against overwhelming odds—just a 1.8% chance of landing the top pick—Dallas defied expectations and became the fourth-lowest odds team to win the lottery since the event’s inception in 1985. The result sent shockwaves throughout the NBA community, offering the Mavericks a golden chance to recalibrate their direction after an emotionally turbulent season.
A Franchise-Defining Moment After a Tumultuous Season
This lottery victory could not have come at a more pivotal time for the Mavericks. Earlier this season, the front office, led by General Manager Nico Harrison, made the audacious and polarizing decision to trade away franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers—a move that sparked widespread backlash from both fans and analysts.
Adding to their woes, the team struggled with a cascade of injuries that decimated their roster. Kyrie Irving, expected to be a crucial playmaker, suffered a devastating ACL tear that ruled him out for the entire season. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis, acquired as part of the Doncic blockbuster deal, faced a lengthy absence due to an adductor injury. The combined setbacks left the Mavericks limping through the regular season, barely scraping into the play-in tournament before being eliminated by the Memphis Grizzlies, ending their postseason hopes prematurely.
Despite the hardships, fortune smiled upon the Mavericks in the lottery, offering a glimmer of hope that the franchise can rebuild stronger than ever.
Blackman Hails New Era for Dallas Mavericks Basketball
Rolando Blackman, Mavericks ambassador and four-time NBA All-Star, represented Dallas at the lottery ceremony and shared his excitement during a post-lottery interview with ESPN.
“This has been an incredibly challenging year, as everyone can see,” Blackman admitted. “But now, we have this rare opportunity to inject new energy into our franchise. It’s truly an honor to represent Dallas on this stage, and this is a critical puzzle piece for us. We are determined to bring elite basketball back to this city.”
When asked about the buzz surrounding Cooper Flagg, Blackman was equally enthusiastic, yet cautiously optimistic.
“Flagg is an incredible talent, that’s undeniable. But let’s not forget, this draft class is stacked with high-caliber players,” Blackman noted. “It’s all about finding the right fit, the player who can elevate the entire team dynamic. That’s what we’ll focus on.”
Cooper Flagg Remains Grounded Amid Speculation for Dallas Mavericks
As speculation heats up regarding Flagg potentially becoming the new face of the Mavericks, the young forward remains humble and focused.
“I don’t overthink things like that,” Flagg told reporters when asked about the possibility of playing in Dallas. “That’s something beyond my control. My focus is on enjoying the journey, making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and staying present in the process.”
A Lottery Order That Sets the Stage for a Dramatic Draft Night
The full order for the 2025 NBA Draft lottery has been confirmed, with Dallas securing the top pick followed by the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, and Charlotte Hornets rounding out the top four.
The complete top-14 order is as follows:
- Dallas Mavericks
- San Antonio Spurs
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Charlotte Hornets
- Utah Jazz
- Washington Wizards
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Brooklyn Nets
- Toronto Raptors
- Houston Rockets
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Chicago Bulls
- Atlanta Hawks
- San Antonio Spurs (via trade)
With such a deep and talented draft pool, the 2025 NBA Draft promises to be one of the most consequential in recent memory. For the Dallas Mavericks, the lottery victory is more than a statistical triumph—it symbolizes a chance at redemption and an opportunity to rewrite their franchise narrative after enduring one of the most controversial seasons in team history.
As the countdown to Draft Night begins, all eyes will be on Dallas as they prepare to make a decision that could reshape the future of the franchise for years to come.
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