“God Makes No Mistakes”: Paige Bueckers on Mavericks Landing No. 1 Pick, Cooper Flagg to Dallas
Dallas basketball is making history, as both the Mavericks and the Wings secured the No. 1 pick in their respective drafts this season. The Mavericks stunned the NBA world by winning the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, vaulting from the 11th-best odds to land the top pick. This outcome paves the way for the team to select Cooper Flagg, a standout forward from Duke, widely considered the top prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft. Remarkably, this achievement follows the Wings’ selection of Paige Bueckers with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, marking an unprecedented moment for Dallas.
This is only the second time in basketball history that one city has claimed both the NBA and WNBA’s No. 1 overall picks in the same year. The first was Cleveland in 2003, when the Cavaliers selected LeBron James and the Cleveland Rockers took LaToya Thomas.
Entering her first regular season with the Wings, Bueckers is already generating significant buzz. During her final college season at UConn, Bueckers led her team to an undefeated 18–0 Big East campaign and a national championship. She averaged 19.9 points, 4.6 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game in 38 games. Her transition to the WNBA has been just as impressive, with Bueckers averaging 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in her preseason appearances with the Wings.
Preparing for her WNBA debut, Bueckers shared her thoughts on this historic moment, the future of Dallas basketball, and her connection to Flagg.
Paige Bueckers on Dallas Mavericks Winning the NBA Draft Lottery
Bueckers reflected on the significance of the Mavericks’ victory and expressed her excitement about Flagg joining the team and for him to join the basketball scene in Dallas.
“Honestly, it’s crazy to think about. The odds were so low, just 1.8%, but here we are,” Bueckers said. “I believe God makes no mistakes, and that happened for a reason. I know Cooper won’t take it for granted. It’ll be exciting for the entire organization, especially since the team is already so solid. Adding him to the mix is going to be incredible.”
Flagg’s arrival adds a promising new piece to a Mavericks roster, including Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II, creating an exciting new chapter for the team’s future. Flagg had an outstanding freshman season at Duke, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game. He was named the ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year, leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four. His versatility on both ends of the court has made him one of the most highly anticipated NBA prospects ever.
Paige Bueckers Reflects on Meeting Cooper Flagg at the ESPYs
Bueckers also reflected on her interaction with Flagg at the 2024 ESPYs, when both athletes shared the stage, sharing nothing but positive things to say.
“I met him at the ESPYs, and he won the Gatorade National Player of the Year. He’s a really nice guy, down-to-earth,” Bueckers added. “I’m excited to get to know him more.”
During the ceremony, Bueckers and Candace Parker presented Flagg and Sadie Engelhardt with the Gatorade Player of the Year awards. The two basketball stars were on stage together, marking a notable moment in their careers—Bueckers as a rising star in the WNBA and Flagg as the top NBA draft prospect.
The connection between Bueckers and Flagg, two of the brightest basketball stars, signifies their rapport and unity in Dallas’ growing basketball culture. Bueckers watched many of Flagg’s games at Duke and shared her respect for his skill set and approach to the game.
“I’ve watched a lot of his games in college,” Bueckers shared. “He’s a fierce competitor and a two-way player who contributes to winning in so many ways.”
The Synergy of Dallas Basketball
Bueckers is excited about the synergy between the Mavericks and the Wings, noting the significance of both teams securing the No. 1 pick in their drafts.
“Just excited for Dallas itself… great to be in the same city,” she said. “It’s amazing to think about how both the Mavs and Wings are creating something really special.”
With both teams now led by young, dynamic talent, Dallas is positioning itself as a basketball hub. The combination of Bueckers and Flagg, two players poised to become franchise cornerstones, has fans eagerly anticipating the future of both organizations.
As the Mavericks prepare to select Flagg on June 25–26 at the 2025 NBA Draft in Brooklyn, the city is brimming with excitement for the new era of basketball ahead. With Flagg joining an already formidable Mavericks roster, the team’s prospects are brighter than ever.
Meanwhile, Bueckers and the Wings are gearing up for their season opener on May 16 against the Minnesota Lynx. For Bueckers, it will be a full-circle moment as she faces her hometown team in what promises to be a thrilling debut in the WNBA.
“No, it still hasn’t hit me. I wake up every day and just think, “Wow, I get to do what I love for a living.” It’s a crazy feeling,” Bueckers said. “To be in this position and get to do what I love, it’s all a blessing.”
Dallas basketball has entered a new chapter, and with Bueckers and Flagg leading the way, the future of the city’s basketball scene is incredibly bright. Both players are set to leave their mark on the NBA and WNBA, and the entire basketball world is watching with anticipation.
More Dallas Basketball Articles
- Dallas Makes Draft History as Mavericks, Wings Secure No. 1 Picks in Same Year
- Dallas Mavericks Win 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, Positioned to Select Duke Star Cooper Flagg
- “Just Trying to Grow Each Game”: Paige Bueckers Embraces Point Guard Role for Dallas Wings
- “There Was Never a Doubt”: Paige Bueckers Fully Commits to Dallas Wings Rebuild Ahead of WNBA Debut
- 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
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