The ping pong balls have spoken, and the Dallas Mavericks are the winners. On Monday night, with franchise legend Rolando Blackman representing them at the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, the Mavericks jumped from the 11th-best odds all the way to the No. 1 pick, stunning the basketball world in the process. It’s the first time in 18 lottery appearances that Dallas has moved up, and just the second time in franchise history they’ll pick first overall.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. After a turbulent season plagued by injuries and questionable roster moves, the Mavericks missed the playoffs and appeared headed for a long summer of uncertainty. Now, with the opportunity to draft a generational prospect like Duke’sCooper Flagg, everything has changed.
Flagg in sight, but questions remain
Cooper Flagg is widely considered the top talent in this year’s draft, and his name has already become a buzzword in Dallas. The 18-year-old forward had a breakout freshman season, showing two-way brilliance and big-game poise that NBA scouts adore. If the Mavericks choose to keep the pick, Flagg could become the franchise’s cornerstone for the next decade.
However, speculation is already swirling about whether Dallas will actually use the selection. President of basketball operations Nico Harrison could explore trading the pick to bring in an established star who fits the team’s current “win-now” trajectory, especially after last year’s shocking trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
With salary cap pressures looming and the roster thin on young talent, holding onto the pick could be a long-term investment the team desperately needs. But don’t count out Harrison making another bold move if he sees a chance to accelerate a title push.
Looking ahead to June 25
The 2025 NBA Draft is set for Wednesday, June 25 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and all eyes will be on what the Mavericks do with their prized pick. Whether they go all-in on Cooper Flagg or shock the league again with a blockbuster trade, one thing is certain, Dallas has a golden ticket, and the pressure is on to make it count.
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