Lottery stunner: Mavericks land no. 1 pick with 1.8 percent odds, set for Flagg

In a truly shocking outcome on Monday night, the Dallas Mavericks, holding just a slim 1.8% chance, emerged victorious in the NBA Draft Lottery, securing the coveted No. 1 overall pick. This improbable win represents a historic moment, as the Mavericks leaped 10 spots, marking the biggest jump by any team in lottery history. Their 1.8% odds were also the fourth-lowest for a No. 1 winner since the lottery's inception in 1985.

This dramatic turn of fortune comes just three months after the Mavericks traded star player Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that was met with significant criticism from the team's fanbase. Mavericks CEO Rick Welts expressed his elation, stating he was "so happy for Mavericks fans" and calling it “a better day for Mavs fans,” anticipating that the lottery win would be something special.

For the first time ever, we won the LOTTERY 💰#MFFL pic.twitter.com/gp1NlDbY6k

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) May 12, 2025

The prize for the Mavericks is the likely selection of Cooper Flagg, the highly touted 6-foot-9 forward who has been considered the front-runner for the top pick since August 2023. Flagg, who graduated high school a year early, exceeded already high expectations during his freshman season at Duke, earning major national player of the year awards and leading the Blue Devils to a Final Four appearance with impressive averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Welts praised Flagg's strong "résumé" and his ability to succeed in challenging situations.

Capturing the Flagg: The Mavericks had just a 1.8% chance to win the lottery, the fourth-lowest odds by a team to win the No. 1 pick since the lottery began in 1985.

• 1993 Magic 1.52%
• 2014 Cavaliers 1.7%
• 2008 Bulls 1.7%
• 2025 Mavericks 1.8%
• 2011 Cavaliers 2.8%
• 2024 Hawks 3.0%

The rest of the top picks in the lottery saw San Antonio secure the second pick, followed by Philadelphia at third, and Charlotte at fourth. San Antonio's coach highlighted the opportunity to make a "really big acquisition" with their pick. Notably, teams with the worst records this season – Utah, Washington, and New Orleans – who had the highest odds of winning the lottery, fell outside the top four under the current lottery system, which aims to flatten odds and discourage tanking.

MORE FROM FANATİK

NBA Playoffs: Wolves and Knicks take commanding 3-1 leads

The Mavericks' improbable win continues a recent trend of upsets at the top of the draft, following Atlanta's victory with 3% odds last year. The draft class is widely regarded as really strong at the top, especially in the top three, featuring other highly-regarded prospects like Rutgers freshmen Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey.

The 2025 NBA Draft is scheduled to take place on June 25-26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, where the Mavericks are now poised to add a potential franchise cornerstone in Cooper Flagg. Here are the first 10 teams in 2025 NBA Drafts:

1. Dallas Mavericks
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Philadelphia 76ers
4. Charlotte Hornets
5. Utah Jazz
6. Washington Wizards
7. New Orleans Pelicans
8. Brooklyn Nets
9. Toronto Raptors
10. Houston Rockets