In a surprising twist during Monday night’s NBA Draft Lottery, the Dallas Mavericks defied the odds-just a 1.8% chance-and landed the coveted No. 1 overall pick.
The win sets the stage for the Mavericks to draft Duke star Cooper Flagg on June 25, signaling a major turning point for the franchise.
Among the first to react was Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, who posted a cryptic yet celebratory “1.8%” on Twitter.
As a fellow Duke alum, Irving’s excitement over Flagg potentially joining the Mavericks was clear.
Despite suffering a season-ending ACL injury in the playoffs, Irving remains a key figure in the Mavericks’ plans. He’s expected to return by January 2026 and could finalize a contract extension by then. Currently, he holds a $43.9 million player option for the upcoming season.
Cooper Flagg: A perfect fit for Dallas
The timing of the top pick couldn’t be more crucial. After parting ways with franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic earlier this year, the Mavericks are entering a new era. Cooper Flagg, widely considered a future NBA superstar, could be the centerpiece of that rebuild-and the perfect complement to Irving and big man Anthony Davis.
Flagg brings elite two-way potential, high basketball IQ, and leadership qualities rarely seen in a player his age. For Dallas, drafting him could represent a reset button-and possibly, a fast track back to contention.
Dallas had entered the lottery with just a 1.8% chance of winning the top pick, tied with the Chicago Bulls in odds and winning a coin flip to slightly improve their chances. Despite those slim odds, the ping-pong balls bounced in Dallas’s favor.
The Mavericks were announced as one of the final four teams alongside the Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, and San Antonio Spurs. Once Charlotte and Philly were announced as picks No. 4 and No. 3, the tension grew-until NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum revealed San Antonio would select second, crowning Dallas as the lottery winner.
The reaction was immediate. In a video posted to social media, Mavericks GM Nico Harrison and his staff erupted in celebration inside their war room-a stark contrast to the criticism he faced earlier this year following the team’s collapse and the trade of Doncic.
After a turbulent season and mounting pressure on leadership, the Mavericks now find themselves in a position of strength. The addition of Flagg would give Dallas a cornerstone to build around, offering renewed hope for the future.
With Kyrie Irving expected to return midseason and Cooper Flagg potentially ready to make an immediate impact, Dallas fans finally have a reason to believe again. From long-shot odds to front-page headlines, the Mavericks’ path forward just got a lot clearer-and a lot more exciting.
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