The Dallas Mavericks aren’t supposed to be in this spot. With only a 1.8% chance to win the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, the team’s odds of landing the No. 1 overall pick were slim.
However, after a season defined by fan frustration, front office distrust, injuries, and turmoil, the Mavericks will head into the NBA Draft with something most didn’t think was possible – hope.
From Luka Dončić to Cooper Flagg: A New Era in Dallas
Hope arrived in the form of Cooper Flagg. The Duke star is projected by PFSN to be selected by the Mavericks with the No. 1 overall pick in our latest mock draft.
“It’s been preordained for years that Cooper Flagg would become a franchise-changer and the top overall pick,” wrote PFSN’s Sterling Xie. “And after the Dallas Mavericks tore out their fanbase’s collective heart with one of the most shocking trades ever, that same fan base is getting a massive reprieve after shockingly winning the lottery for their new franchise player.
“Flagg was every bit the five-tool player everyone expected, serving as the engine of an excellent Duke team. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game during his lone collegiate season. His shooting also surged as the season went on, and he finished with sparkling 48/39/84 shooting splits.
There are no red flags with Flagg, which extends to his highly competitive mentality that turned heads at Team USA’s training camp for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Beyond his totally polished all-around skill set, Flagg plays a style conducive to winning and is a potential culture-changer in the locker room as well.
The Mavericks have their new franchise foundation just over three months after trading their previous one. The only question is if Commissioner Adam Silver will request that the Mavs use their entire allotment of time on the clock before they hand in the card.”
What comes next is less clear.
There is speculation that Mavericks general manager and president of basketball operations Nico Harrison might be open to trading the pick for an established superstar such as two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee’s early playoff exit and Damian Lillard’s career-threatening Achilles injury only fuel the rumor that the Bucks could be looking to rebuild around youth.
Dallas is in a similar situation. The team has a star forward in Anthony Davis who can carry the team for stretches, but guard Kyrie Irving is expected to miss a significant portion of next season after suffering a torn ACL. Harrison may look for instant redemption after the shocking trade deadline Dončić deal, by leveraging the No. 1 pick to bring in another superstar player that aligns with his roster vision.
But Dallas may already have what it needs in Flagg to reclaim scorned fans. Drafting Flagg offers more than highlight reels for a franchise desperate for good news. He provides a team filled with uncertainty – hope.
