The Dallas Mavericks shocked the league by winning the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery despite entering with just a 1.8% chance at the No. 1 pick. Now holding the top selection, the franchise is strongly linked to Cooper Flagg, the consensus best prospect in this year’s class, as they look to fill the void left by Luka Doncic’s departure.
Flagg is widely projected to go first overall and is already being hailed as one of the most promising young talents in recent memory. While some teams might consider trading the top pick for a proven NBA veteran, early indications suggest Dallas is focused on selecting Flagg. Barring a major surprise, the Maine native is expected to be the centerpiece of the Mavericks’ new era.
Head coach Jason Kidd added fuel to the speculation during a recent appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, where he was asked directly whether the Mavericks plan to draft Flagg with the No. 1 pick. “Yes,” Kidd responded. “I’m just the coach, but yes, I would say we’re all concentrating on number one. The draft is deep, but the name you just brought up, I think we’re all focused on.”
Kidd’s endorsement comes as the team looks to rebuild following the loss of Doncic and ongoing injury concerns surrounding Kyrie Irving. Flagg could be the foundational piece for a franchise in transition.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks talks with head coach Jason Kidd in the first half of the NBA In-Season Tournament game against the LA Clippers at American Airlines Center on November 10, 2023 in Dallas, Texas.
The sudden rise to the top pick has prompted conspiracy theories among some fans, who joke that the NBA may have scripted the outcome to help Dallas recover from the fallout of trading away Doncic—arguably the greatest talent in Mavericks history—to the Los Angeles Lakers.
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Although unlikely, some speculate whether GM Nico Harrison might pivot and trade down or select another prospect. But passing on Flagg, widely considered a generational player, would be almost unthinkable at this point.
Rumors are already swirling about a potential new core in Dallas built around Flagg and veteran star Anthony Davis, along with sharpshooter Klay Thompson. The combination of elite youth and proven experience could give the Mavericks a competitive edge as they aim to reestablish themselves as a contender in the Western Conference.
On a more emotional note, Kidd also shared the last time he spoke to Doncic, revealing that their final exchange was a text message shortly after the blockbuster trade. “I don’t think he was too happy,” Kidd said. “Maybe he was surprised, upset—emotions were running high. I loved the opportunity of coaching Luka. He’s an incredible person, and we all know his talent is one of the best in the world.”
“My mindset now is to deal with the cards I’ve been dealt and keep pushing forward. I’ve always said, publicly and privately, I wish Luka the best. He’s one of the best players in the world.”
