The Dallas Mavericks Defy Odds, Win NBA Draft Lottery
The Dallas Mavericks have staged a stunning upset, winning the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery on Monday night in Chicago. The Mavericks, who had just a 1.8% chance of securing the first overall pick, were crowned the lottery’s big winners, landing the top choice and the opportunity to select Duke standout Cooper Flagg.
As the dust settles on a dramatic lottery event filled with surprises, the Mavericks find themselves in a prime position to restore their fortunes after the departure of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. With Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis already on their roster, Dallas can now add Flagg to their ranks, bolstering their lineup for the upcoming season.
The Big Winners and Losers
- The San Antonio Spurs will have the second overall pick.
- The Philadelphia 76ers will select third.
The big losers of the lottery were the teams that entered with the highest chances of landing the top pick. The Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, and Utah Jazz, who were expected to go one-two-three, respectively, ended up drawing the sixth, fourth, and fifth spots, respectively.
The International Prospects
The Hornets, Jazz, and Wizards might have missed out on Flagg, but they still have plenty of talent to choose from in the upcoming draft. Top prospects include Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey from Rutgers, VJ Edwards from Baylor, and Tre Johnson from Texas. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets, who had a 9% chance of landing the first pick, will settle for the eighth choice.
The Road to the Draft
The stage is now set for the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, which will take place in Chicago this Tuesday. The event will serve as a showcase for many of the top university basketball players hoping to earn a spot in the NBA next season.
The Wintrust Arena, a modern venue located near the city center and home to the Chicago Sky of the WNBA, will host the combine.
First 14 Picks in the 2025 NBA Draft
- 1. Dallas Mavericks
- 2. San Antonio Spurs
- 3. Philadelphia 76ers
- 4. Charlotte Hornets
- 5. Utah Jazz
- 6. Washington Wizards
- 7. New Orleans Pelicans
- 8. Brooklyn Nets
- 9. Toronto Raptors
- 10. Houston Rockets
- 11. Portland Trail Blazers
- 12. Chicago Bulls
- 13. Atlanta Hawks
- 14. San Antonio Spurs
**Did You Know?**
Last year, the Los Angeles Lakers won the lottery, selecting French sensation Zaccharie Risacher.
**Pro Tip:**
Keep an eye on the upcoming draft combine for potential sleepers and risers who could change the draft board dynamics.
**Final Thoughts:**
The Mavericks’ lottery win is a testament that upsets can happen in basketball, just as they do on the court. With their newfound opportunity to select Cooper Flagg, Dallas fans have plenty to cheer about as they look ahead to the 2025-26 season.