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Dallas Maverics won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery in Chicago
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The Dallas Mavericks have defied all odds, emerging victorious in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery to secure the coveted No. 1 overall pick. With just a 1.8% chance of winning, the Mavericks’ leap from 11th to the top spot is the largest climb in lottery history. For a franchise still reeling from the controversial trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this year, this lottery triumph feels like a narrative-shifting moment.

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The win grants Dallas the opportunity to select Duke’s Cooper Flagg, the consensus top prospect in this year’s draft. A 6-foot-9 forward, Flagg dazzled in his freshman season, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while leading the Blue Devils to a Final Four. His blend of size, skill, and versatility has drawn comparisons to versatile NBA stars, and his meteoric rise began when he graduated high school early to fast-track his collegiate career. Mavericks CEO Rick Welts summed up the sentiment best, saying, “I can’t imagine a better day for Mavs fans.”

This fortune could not have come at a better time for the team. The February trade that sent franchise cornerstone Doncic to the Lakers left fans in shock and raised questions about the team’s future. While the return package brought promising players and assets, it felt as though the Mavericks had taken a step back. But now, landing Flagg could accelerate the rebuilding process in dramatic fashion.

The draft class doesn’t end with Flagg, as it features other notable prospects like RutgersDylan Harper and Ace Bailey. Harper, a 6-foot-6 point guard with elite playmaking and scoring abilities, shattered records in his freshman campaign. Bailey, a towering forward with athleticism and defensive upside, has also turned heads. If not Flagg, Dallas still has intriguing choices.

This lottery win represents a light at the end of what has been a turbulent tunnel. While the 2025 season saw its ups and downs, the Mavericks are now poised to welcome new talent that could redefine their trajectory. Pairing the No. 1 pick with the Mavericks’ existing core players could be the blueprint for a future that writes itself into NBA history. Dallas fans, the road ahead suddenly looks bright.

SOURCE | ESPN