CNN
–
The Dallas Mavericks won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery in Chicago on Monday, securing the coveted top overall pick and the right to choose Duke University star forward Cooper flag next month.
Dallas was only 1.8% likely to receive the first pick, the fourth lowest odds since the lottery began in 1985. This is the first time the Mavericks have won the lottery.
Dallas had the opportunity to reset the franchise by adding Flagg after trading Luka Doncic in the middle of this season, causing a massive backlash from the fanbase.
“As you all know, it’s been a tough year,” Mavericks ambassador and four-time NBA All-star Roland Blackman said in an ESPN interview after the lottery. “We get the opportunity to move the franchise forward. …It’s a really, really a great honor and I want to flip it over in Dallas, so that’s an important part of the puzzle.”
Blackman said Flag “can do hoops, he can play,” and said, “There are a lot of great players in that draft class. …We’ll see how we can make our team better.
The Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets scored the highest odds at 14% of their first choice.
The 18-year-old Flag solidified himself as one of the top freshman players in the college last season.
Flag averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steel, losing to Houston in the men’s basketball final four in the final minutes.
The first national team attending McCormick Place during the event said it was an “incredible experience” and something he had dreamed of since he was a child.
Lottery victory offers silver lining during the Mavericks’ intense season.
Dallas surprised the NBA world when general manager Nico Harrison made the shocking decision in February to trade star player Doncic for the Los Angeles Lakers. The massive trade has led to Mavericks getting caught up in after a sudden exit from the superstar.
The mood was even darker in Dallas after an injury rash hit some of the Mavs’ most important players. Most notably, Kyrie Irving lost all season in a knee-teared ACL and Anthony Davis (who Maverick received in exchange for Doncic), missing a considerable amount of time with a tense adductor.
Dallas still managed to advance to the NBA play-in tournament, but was eliminated from postseason contest by the Memphis Grizzlies.
As to whether he thought he could play for Dallas, Flag said: “I didn’t try to think about it much. I feel like I’m out of control. I’m going through the process just like everyone else.
The San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, Hornets and Jazz will round out top five picks in upcoming drafts.
The two-day two-round draft will take place June 25-26 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.