The Dallas Mavericks have won the 2025 NBA draft lottery, securing the number one overall pick in this year’s draft. They will select Cooper Flagg, a highly touted forward from Duke University.
Cooper Flagg’s Performance
- Flagg averaged:
- 19.2 points
- 7.5 rebounds
- 4.2 assists per game during his freshman season at Duke.
- He led the Blue Devils to a Final Four appearance in his first year of college basketball.
Lottery Upset
The Mavericks’ victory is considered an upset, given their extremely low probability of winning the lottery at just 0.018%. They managed to jump ten spots from eleventh place to first, marking the largest jump in lottery history for any team.
General Manager’s Decisions
General Manager Nico Harrison has faced criticism following last month’s trade of Luka Doncic to Los Angeles for Anthony Davis. Harrison stated:
"I made this decision because I believe it’s best for our team."
Many fans have expressed disappointment with Harrison’s decision-making throughout the season. The selection of Flagg with the number one pick may help alleviate some of that frustration, as he brings high-level talent and athleticism to the Mavericks’ roster next season.
Injury Updates
Flagg is expected to be available for training camp next fall after undergoing surgery on his right knee last summer. Coach Jason Kidd expressed excitement about Flagg:
"We’re excited about Cooper."
Flagg will join fellow incoming rookie Cam Whitmore, who was selected by Dallas with the third overall pick last June when they traded away Jalen Brunson. The addition of Flagg could provide another scoring option alongside Kristaps Porzingis and Reggie Bullock, while also adding size on both ends of the floor.
Team Dynamics
Flagg can play both guard positions but has been working more at the small forward position since entering college. His versatility should make him an attractive piece as part of the Mavericks’ rebuild under new ownership led by Mark Cuban.
Concerns with Anthony Davis
It remains unclear whether Davis will be able to stay healthy enough to play a full season or if he will miss significant time again due to injury issues that plagued him during his final two seasons with New Orleans.
The Mavericks also acquired veteran big man Christian Wood along with Davis, but he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during training camp last fall, ending his season before it started. Wood is expected back on the court sometime between late November and early December.
Roster Changes
Last week, the Mavericks announced they would not re-sign veteran guard Spencer Dinwiddie, who played a key role off the bench behind Doncic throughout much of the regular season. Dinwiddie averaged career-highs in:
- Points: 16
- Assists: 6
- Three-point shooting percentage: 45.6%
Despite losing Doncic mid-season due to injury, Dinwiddie helped lead the Mavericks into the playoffs.
Kyrie Irving’s Future
Former All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving opted out of a player option worth $32 million earlier this week. After spending the past two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, he joined Dallas midway through the previous campaign, helping lead the team into the playoffs despite missing several games due to personal reasons. Irving has chosen to sign a max deal worth $44 million over four years, which includes a player option for a fifth year worth $40 million. It appears unlikely that Irving will return next fall given the financial implications.
Other Player Movements
Last week, former All-Star center DeAndre Ayton signed a max deal worth $33 million over three years, plus a player option for a fourth year worth $30 million. Ayton played one game against the Mavericks earlier this month, scoring nine points, grabbing eight rebounds, and recording four blocks.
Sources indicate there are currently no plans being discussed regarding Ayton’s return next fall, although nothing has been ruled out entirely.
Upcoming Challenges
Following a loss against the Golden State Warriors—their third straight defeat—Kidd told reporters:
"We’re going home," referring to an upcoming road trip that includes games against the Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Utah Jazz.
Kidd acknowledged the need for changes moving forward, stating:
"We’ve got some work ahead of us."
Other Team Interests
Earlier this week, ESPN reported that the Chicago Bulls were among teams interested in acquiring Victor Wembanyama, widely regarded as the top prospect in the upcoming NBA draft class. Wembanyama averaged 22 points, seven rebounds, and six blocks per game during his collegiate campaign.
Additionally, the Bulls were also interested in Scoot Henderson, another top prospect, who averaged nearly 20 points and five assists per game.
Lastly, reports surfaced indicating that the New York Knicks are considering trading RJ Barrett, whose contract expires after the current campaign. Barrett averages nearly 20 points and five boards per game but struggles defensively.
Neither the Knicks nor the Bulls responded immediately to inquiries regarding these reports.
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