IN A massive result in the organisation’s history, the Dallas Mavericks have been awarded the number one selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, in what could prove a crucial moment for the club heading into the future.

There was plenty of controversy in Dallas throughout the 2024/25 season, after trading away franchise player Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for an older, more injury-prone Anthony Davis, in a move that drew the ire of plenty of fans in what may be the biggest trade in NBA history.

However, the Mavericks jumped up from 1.8 per cent odds to claim the top selection in the draft lottery earlier this month, in what may just shape the franchise moving forward given how exceptional the projected top selection is.

Now set to add a generational talent to a roster that has plenty of championship winners, the future is suddenly bright for the Mavericks to conclude a campaign that drew plenty of unexpected headlines.

Dallas Mavericks

Draft Selections

1

Contracted Players

Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving (player option), Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin, Max Christie, Dereck Lively II (team option), Dwight Powell (player option), Olivier-Maxence Prosper (team option), Jaden Hardy, Brandon Williams (non-guaranteed)

Although their list is largely older, the Mavericks still have plenty of talent on their roster, and with addition of the number-one selection, will have a clearer picture of the future after the draft next month in Chicago.

There is absolutely no doubt around who the team will pick, with Cooper Flagg considered one of the best draft prospects in years, with superstar potential written all over him, as well as the ability to impact straight away.

After an excellent campaign with the Duke Blue Devils, Flagg nominated for the NBA Draft and is the consensus top pick in a loaded draft class. The best offensive and defensive player in the class, he is considered a franchise player and will be the face of the Mavericks for years to come.

Throughout the 2024/25 season, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game, shooting 48.1 per cent from the field, 38.5 per cent from the three-point line and 84 per cent from the charity stripe, having a massive impact on both ends of the floor.

In terms of fit, Flagg will slot into the Mavericks’ starting lineup nicely, and alongside the star power of Davis and Irving, will not need to shoulder too much of the load in his first year, which will be good for his long-term development.

Suddenly, Dallas has become one of the most exciting teams in the NBA, with Flagg joining some of the biggest names in the competition. With his expected ability to impact immediately as a readymade prospect, the young star will be the key for the future in Dallas.