The Dallas Mavericks shocked the entire basketball world on Monday when they landed the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
This was a huge moment for the franchise, one that could move them beyond the Luka Doncic trade and right back toward the top of the Western Conference.
It was unexpected for multiple reasons, including the fact that the Mavs had very low odds of getting the top pick.
According to Underdog NBA, only three teams had worse odds and still got the No. 1 draft pick.
Those teams were the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014 with 1.7 percent, the Chicago Bulls in 2008 also with 1.7 percent, and the 1993 Orlando Magic with just 1.5 percent.
Worst odds to win No. 1 pick in NBA Draft Lottery history:
1993 Magic: 1.5% (Chris Webber)
2008 Bulls: 1.7% (Derrick Rose)
2014 Cavs: 1.7% (Andrew Wiggins)
2025 Mavs: 1.8%Webber traded to GSW on draft night; Wiggins traded to MIN before season.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 12, 2025
The Mavericks only had a 1.8 percent chance of getting the top pick, and that is exactly what they did.
Now, what will they do with it?
Obviously, Cooper Flagg is the top pick in next month’s draft, and he could be just what the Mavericks need.
This immediately made them a team to watch, one that isn’t bogged down by the Doncic trade any longer.
Many people were stunned to see Dallas get this pick, especially since they jumped 10 spots in order to get the top pick, which is the biggest move by any team in league history.
This was a great moment for Dallas fans but a heartbreaking one for those who support the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and others.
They all envisioned Flagg as the missing piece their teams wanted, but now they will have to watch him perform well for the Mavs.
Of course, there is no guarantee the Mavericks will go after Flagg, and perhaps they have something and someone else in mind.
But that seems unlikely, and the Mavericks are going to bet their future on the young and unique Flagg.
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