The NBA’s second chance to grant teams that failed to partake in the playoffs, namely the NBA Draft Lottery 2025, took place and predictions took a left turn as the headliner was a surprising outcome. Receiving the first overall pick is the Dallas Mavericks who took the cup with only a 1.8% chance to win. Creating a historic moment in the NBA, the Mavericks are given a redeeming moment to improve to a well performing roster after the trade of Luka Dončić. Gaining Anthony Davis, who will be next to lift the Mavericks?
Dallas Mavericks get the first pick from the Draft Lottery
Possibly marking one of the unexpected NBA Draft Lottery conclusions, the Dallas Mavericks won with only a 1.8% chance to receive the first pick. The Mavericks have faced shocking moments in the 2024-25 NBA season, with the most spoken about trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, adding to the list. While not making it to the NBA Playoffs, the team ended their normal season with 39-43, thus participating in the Play-In Tournament.
Their recent achievement may result in a Playoffs’ appearance in the next season, choosing the top pick in the drafts. This probability to win the NBA Draft Lottery measures up to Orlando Magic’s big jump in 1993, who entered with a 1.52% and the Cleveland Cavaliers, getting the first draft pick with a 1.7% chance in 2014. Receiving this second chance to grow their team, the Mavericks are able to update their roster after the loss of Luka Dončić.
NBA Draft candidate, Cooper Flagg is the possible first pick
The outstanding Cooper Flagg has many eyes set on him, with NBA teams hoping to introduce him to their franchise, however only one team has the chance to pick the young star. With the win of the lottery, the Dallas Mavericks may pick Cooper Flagg, National Player of the Year awardee from Duke University, to join their roster. His averages from Duke are 19.2 point, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game.
As a top candidate amongst the other prospects, Flagg has been widely acknowledged by his defences and ability to bring in the points, which may be the very thing the Mavericks need (young talent) after Luka Doncic. Being an all-rounder, leading Duke in their points, rebounds, assists and steals, Cooper Flagg moves around the court with elegance while catching the ball and shooting immediately with much accuracy.
More big jumps in the NBA Draft Lottery order
The shocking Dallas Mavericks order move was not the only move that sought analysing, with teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Hornets drastically moving up the list, to occupy the top four picks in the lottery order and the Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz (which was assumed to win the first pick), New Orleans Pelicans and Brooklyn Nets experiencing a surprising fall on the list.
The results of the shocking draft have the San Antonio Spurs picking second, with the opportunity to find a great athlete to shoot hoops alongside Victor Wembanyama. The 76ers taking the third pick seeks to find a player that can create a great combination with their star player Joel Embiid, and the Hornets looking to update their roster with versatile players, have the fourth pick.
The possibility for the college basketball star, Cooper Flagg to join the Dallas Mavericks is quite high and an upgrade of the franchise’s roster is possible with this Duke player. Cooper Flagg’s skill and adaptability works for the Dallas Mavericks, who are moving through change in their team. The 2025-26 season with Cooper Flagg, is one that suggests a presence in the next NBA playoffs. The Lottery Drafts surely brought shock to many with the big jumps many teams experienced, with the chance the teams have to acquire great players, their next season provides a better outlook.
