By R.J. Morales
Dallas, Texas – Just a few months ago, the Dallas Mavericks’ fanbase was reeling from the shocking trade of their beloved superstar, Luka Dončić, to the Los Angeles Lakers. The move, which sent Dončić along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to L.A. in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick, was met with widespread disbelief and outrage. Fans protested outside the American Airlines Center, calling for the firing of General Manager Nico Harrison, and social media was ablaze with criticism.
The rationale behind the trade, according to Harrison, was to bolster the team’s defense and culture. However, the immediate aftermath was anything but positive. Davis suffered an adductor injury in his debut, sidelining him for an extended period, while the team struggled with a slew of other injuries, including a season-ending torn ACL for Kyrie Irving. The Mavericks limped to a 39-43 record, missing the playoffs and leaving fans questioning the direction of the franchise.
Then came the NBA Draft Lottery. With only a 1.8% chance of securing the top pick, the Mavericks defied the odds and landed the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. This marks only the second time in franchise history that Dallas has held the top pick, the first being in 1981 when they selected Mark Aguirre first overall.
The consensus is that the Mavericks will use this pick to select Duke freshman Cooper Flagg, a 6’9″ forward who averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Flagg is widely regarded as a generational talent, earning both the Wooden and Naismith awards during his standout college season.
With Cooper Flagg projected as the Mavericks’ top pick, his integration into Dallas’s rotation promises to be transformative. Standing at 6’9″, Flagg brings elite defensive prowess, averaging 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game during his standout season at Duke. His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, making him an ideal partner alongside Anthony Davis in the frontcourt. Offensively, Flagg’s ability to stretch the floor with a 38.5% three-point shooting percentage complements Davis’s interior dominance. With Kyrie Irving recovering from injury, Flagg may also shoulder additional playmaking responsibilities, showcasing his high basketball IQ and unselfishness. This blend of skills positions Flagg not only as a defensive anchor but also as a dynamic offensive contributor, potentially redefining the Mavericks’ playing style and aspirations.
The sudden reversal of fortune has sparked a mix of jubilation and skepticism among fans and analysts alike. Some have taken to social media to express suspicions about the lottery’s outcome, jokingly suggesting it was “rigged” to compensate for the Dončić trade.
Regardless of the speculation, the Mavericks now find themselves in a position to rebuild around a potential superstar. The upcoming draft, scheduled for June 25–26 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, offers Dallas a chance to chart a new course and restore hope to a fanbase that has endured a rollercoaster of emotions in recent months.
As the team prepares for this pivotal moment, the question remains: Will the selection of Cooper Flagg usher in a new era of success for the Mavericks, or will the franchise’s recent turmoil continue to cast a shadow over its future? Only time will tell, but for now, Dallas fans have a reason to believe again.
For a visual recap of the Mavericks’ unexpected lottery win, check out the video below: