Mavericks Land Top Pick With Just 1.8% Odds
In one of the most surprising NBA Draft Lottery outcomes in recent memory, the Dallas Mavericks secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft despite having just a 1.8% chance.
With Duke’s Cooper Flagg widely regarded as the consensus top prospect, Dallas is expected to take the 18-year-old forward — a player who could reshape the franchise’s direction in the wake of Luka Dončić’s departure and Kyrie Irving’s ACL rehab.
Lottery Shakeup: Spurs and Sixers Jump Ahead
Two other franchises made significant moves:
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San Antonio Spurs jumped from No. 8 to No. 2.
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Philadelphia 76ers leapt from No. 5 to No. 3.
Charlotte rounded out the top four, falling just one spot from their expected position.
Top Prospect Breakdown
1. Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke – Projected No. 1 Pick (Dallas Mavericks)
Flagg brings elite defensive instincts, high-level rebounding, and unselfish offensive play. With Irving recovering and Anthony Davis aging, Dallas may give Flagg early playmaking responsibilities. Viewed as a franchise-altering prospect.
2. Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers – Projected No. 2 (San Antonio Spurs)
Physical guard with elite shot creation. He could pair with Victor Wembanyama as a future backcourt anchor, though fit alongside Castle and Fox remains a question.
3. Ace Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers – Projected No. 3 (Philadelphia 76ers)
Raw but explosive scorer with huge upside. Philly hopes he becomes a long-term partner for Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain.
4. VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor – Projected No. 4 (Charlotte Hornets)
Dynamic wing defender with slashing ability. Seen as an ideal complement to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
5. Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma – Projected No. 5 (Utah Jazz)
Creative young guard with elite passing vision. A foundational piece for Utah’s rebuild.
Top 10 First-Round Highlights
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Tre Johnson, SG, Texas – Washington adds a high-upside scorer.
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Khaman Maluach, C, Duke – New Orleans grabs a rim protector to balance Zion Williamson’s interior presence.
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Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke – Brooklyn begins a rebuild with a reliable wing scorer.
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Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina – Toronto adds defensive toughness beside Scottie Barnes.
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Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois – Houston (via Phoenix) grabs a high-IQ European playmaker with long-term upside.
What’s Next: Combine and Private Workouts
The NBA Draft Combine is currently underway in Chicago, with over 120 prospects showcasing athleticism and interviewing with teams. Flagg, Dylan Harper, Derik Queen, and Walter Clayton Jr. headline a class rich in wing talent and guard play.
As private workouts and interviews continue, expect late-risers and surprise picks to emerge — but the top of the board appears set.
Cooper Flagg to Dallas feels like destiny. And the Mavericks may have just pulled off their most important win since their 2011 title.
