Sources: Cooper Flagg, Mavericks Embrace Shocking NBA Draft Lottery Result
The Dallas Mavericks won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery on Monday night, securing the No. 1 overall pick in June’s draft. Dallas entered the night with a 1.8% chance at the top pick after finishing 39-43 and losing in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament. A tiebreaker coin flip with the Chicago Bulls gave the Mavericks the slight edge for 11th-best lottery odds, but a leap into the top spot remained a long shot.
The pick positions the Mavericks to select Duke forward Cooper Flagg, the consensus top prospect in the 2025 class. Despite outside speculation about the potential trade value of the No. 1 pick, league sources indicated this week that Dallas plans to keep the pick and draft Flagg. League sources have told DallasHoopsJournal.com that the Mavericks front office views him as a foundational two-way player who aligns with its long-term vision.
Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks during his freshman season at Duke, shooting 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range. He earned both ACC Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors while leading the Blue Devils to a Final Four appearance.
“It’s an incredible experience to be here, to have this opportunity,” Flagg said after the lottery. “I mean, it’s what I dreamed of since I was a little kid, so just to be here — it’s an incredible experience and a great opportunity.”
Flagg, a vocal and high-energy presence throughout the NBA Scouting Combine, has embraced the idea of joining Dallas. Sources in Chicago described him to DallasHoopsJournal.com as “energized” by the opportunity to play alongside established veterans like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. One source said Flagg views the Mavericks as “a great fit” and looks forward to helping a playoff-caliber team.
“Being a two-way player is something I’ve done since I was a little kid, so I’m just going to keep doing that to the best of my ability,” Flagg said.
The 6-foot-8 forward has shown continued physical and skill development this spring, measuring at 221 pounds and displaying an improved jump shot in workouts. His versatility, competitive edge, and maturity have only strengthened his grip on the No. 1 spot.
Following the franchise-altering trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, the Mavericks are focused on building a new core around defensive versatility. Flagg’s approach to the game fits that mold, but does raise questions about the direction Dallas will go on the wing with a sudden oversaturation while also going over the Second Apron. Flagg’s rookie scale contract paying him $13.8 million in the first season.
“I think for me it’s always about just getting better all around,” Flagg said. “It’s not one specific thing that I’m looking at. It’s just a collective group of things and trying to get better every single day.”
Joining a team that already features Davis a foundation of complementary pieces provides Flagg with a unique opportunity. While most No. 1 picks carry rebuilding teams, Flagg could step into a meaningful role on a contending roster, developing at a steady pace without overwhelming expectations.
“I didn’t try to think about it too much,” he said. “I feel like it was just kind of out of my control. So I’m just going through the process like everybody else and trying to enjoy every single moment — because you only get to do this once.”
The 2025 NBA Draft will begin on Wednesday, June 25, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
More Dallas Mavericks Articles
- “A Great Environment for Him”: Rich Paul Sees Ideal Fit for Cooper Flagg in Dallas with Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving
- Trae Young Roasts ESPN Analyst for Dallas Mavericks Suggestion with No. 1 Pick
- “God Makes No Mistakes”: Paige Bueckers on Mavericks Landing No. 1 Pick, Cooper Flagg to Dallas
- Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks Could Meet in Preseason Clash in Las Vegas
- “I Would Like to See Kyrie at a Game”: Paige Bueckers Hopes to Share Dallas Stage With Kyrie Irving
- Inside Nico Harrison’s Takeover of the Dallas Mavericks and the Luka Dončić Trade
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