Learn how the Dallas Mavericks defied 1.8 percent odds to win the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and prepare to select Duke sensation Cooper Flagg.The Dallas Mavericks defied a mere 1.8 percent probability to land the coveted top spot in the 2025 NBA Draft lottery, positioning themselves to select Duke phenom Cooper Flagg in June. Here’s everything you need to know about this historic upset and what it means for the franchise’s rebuild.
Background
In February 2025 NBA Draft, Dallas stunned the basketball world by trading franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić, a move that immediately drew heavy criticism and left the Mavericks missing the playoffs. Fans and analysts questioned General Manager Nico Harrison’s strategy as the team struggled through the remainder of the season.
Lottery Results: Mavericks Defy the Odds
On May 12, 2025, the NBA Draft Lottery kicks saw the Mavericks leap from a near-hopeless 14th ping slot, clinching the No. 1 overall pick despite just a 1.8 percent chance. This marks Dallas’s first lottery win in 17 appearances and the largest odds upset since the modern lottery era began.
2025 NBA Draft Order (Top 5)
- Dallas Mavericks (1.8 %)
- San Antonio Spurs (6.3 %)
- Philadelphia 76ers (10.6 %)
- Charlotte Hornets (7.4 %)
- Utah Jazz (14.0 %)
…
Full order details are available via Fox Sports’s comprehensive breakdown.
Prospect Spotlight: Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg, the 18-year-old Duke forward, headlines this class as a 6’9″ two-way phenom who led Duke to the Final Four and claimed Wooden Award All-America honors . Renowned for his rare combination of size, playmaking, and defensive prowess, Flagg is projected to become Dallas’s new foundational piece alongside their younger core.
What’s Next for the Mavericks?
With the draft scheduled for June 25–26 in Brooklyn, NY, Dallas must decide whether to keep the player of the future or leverage Flagg in a potential trade to accelerate a win-now window. Observers will be watching closely if the Mavericks seek a blockbuster deal or opt to build around the versatile freshman standout.
Suggested Authoritative Sources
- ESPN – Expert analysis and mock drafts
- NBA.com – Official lottery results and draft order
- The Athletic – In-depth prospect evaluations
A high-energy courtroom-style shot of the lottery ping-pong balls dropping to reveal “No. 1” on a scoreboard, superimposed over an image of Cooper Flagg in his Duke uniform, with the Mavericks logo subtly in the background to capture the drama of this unprecedented moment.