Who Won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery and What Does It Mean for the League?

By Edcel Panganiban June 17, 2025 09:35

The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery delivered one of the most stunning upsets in recent history when the Dallas Mavericks, holding just a 1.8% chance, secured the No. 1 overall pick. This improbable victory marks the fourth-largest upset since the lottery’s inception in 1985 and instantly reshapes the league’s landscape heading into the draft and beyond.

The Lottery Results and What They Mean

The Mavericks’ win came despite the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets each having a 14% chance the highest odds in the lottery. The Jazz and Wizards, tied for the worst records at 17-65 and 18-64 respectively, fell to the No. 5 and No. 6 picks, while the Hornets landed the No. 4 spot. The San Antonio Spurs claimed the No. 2 pick, and the Philadelphia 76ers, with the third-best odds, retained their pick at No. 3 due to protections on the selection.

Dallas’s lottery victory is especially surprising given their 39-43 record, which typically would not warrant such a high pick. This outcome gives the Mavericks the chance to select Duke’s Cooper Flagg, widely regarded as the top prospect in the 2025 draft class. Flagg, an 18-year-old forward with a rare combination of size, skill, and defensive prowess, is projected to be a generational talent who could transform the Mavericks’ roster.

A New Chapter for the Mavericks

The lottery win comes just months after the Mavericks shocked the basketball world by trading away Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster deal. The move was widely criticized, with ESPN’s Bob Myers calling it “the most baffling trade in NBA history.” Yet, the lottery victory offers Dallas a chance at redemption and a new foundation to build around.

Nico Harrison, the Mavericks’ general manager, now faces the challenge of integrating Flagg alongside established stars like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. While the team has several high-end role players, the addition of a top prospect could accelerate Dallas’s return to contention. Harrison acknowledged the stakes, saying, “Landing the No. 1 pick is a huge opportunity. Cooper Flagg is a special talent, and we’re excited about what he can bring to our team’s future.”

Impact on the League

The lottery results also significantly impact other teams. The Spurs and 76ers, positioned to add elite young talent, could accelerate their rebuilds or championship pushes. Meanwhile, the Jazz and Wizards, despite their poor records, face the challenge of finding value later in the draft.

The unexpected nature of the lottery outcome underscores the unpredictability of the NBA’s draft system and its role in maintaining competitive balance. As Bleacher Report noted, “The Mavericks are the biggest winners of this year’s lottery, but the ripple effects will be felt across the league.”

Looking Ahead to the Draft

The 2025 NBA Draft, scheduled for June 25-26 and broadcast on ABC and ESPN, will be one of the most anticipated in recent memory. With prospects like Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Ace Bailey leading the class, teams have a wealth of talent to choose from.

For Dallas, the pressure is on to make the right selection and build a team capable of contending in a Western Conference loaded with talent. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Mavericks and their new cornerstone.

The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery’s biggest surprise the Mavericks winning the top pick against all odds has injected fresh excitement into the league. With Cooper Flagg likely to be the No. 1 overall selection, Dallas has a chance to redefine its future after a tumultuous offseason. This lottery result not only shakes up the draft order but also signals a new chapter in the NBA’s ongoing quest for competitive balance and star power. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the draft unfolds, eager to see how this unexpected twist shapes the league’s next era.