In a surprising turn of events, the Dallas Mavericks have won the NBA draft lottery, enabling them to select Duke’s Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in June. This remarkable victory comes just three months after the controversial trade of star player Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Mavericks, who had a mere 1.8% chance of winning, made history by jumping 10 spots—marking the largest leap in draft lottery history, as noted by ESPN Research.

Reactions From the Mavericks Organization

Excitement buzzed through the Mavericks’ organization, particularly from CEO Rick Welts, who expressed immense joy for the team’s fanbase. “I am so happy for Mavericks fans,” Welts stated, holding the lottery envelope prominently featuring the number one. “I can’t wait to get back to Dallas.”

Profile of Cooper Flagg

Cooper Flagg, a versatile 6-foot-9 forward, has been anticipated as the top pick ever since he announced plans to graduate high school early to play college basketball. During his freshman season, he garnered nearly every major national player accolade while leading Duke to a Final Four finish, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists.

Welts acknowledged Flagg’s impressive track record: “Every time he’s put in a situation that everyone wondered if he could succeed, he’s succeeded and then some.”

Other Draft Picks and Future Prospects

The San Antonio Spurs are set to select second, followed by the Philadelphia 76ers in third and the Charlotte Hornets at fourth. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson commented on the significance of their position, stating that it offers a substantial opportunity for organizational growth.

Teams such as Utah, Washington, and Charlotte, who had the worst records this season, missed out on the top four despite having the highest odds. This result aligns with the 2019 lottery changes, designed to curb tanking, where the team with the worst record has yet to secure the first pick.

Looking Ahead to the NBA Draft

With the draft set for June 25-26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, anticipation remains high. After Flagg, notable prospects include Rutgers freshmen Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, alongside Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe, all of whom will attract attention from teams looking to add high-caliber talent to their rosters.