If you're a fan of chaos, you surely enjoyed the dramatic twists that unfolded during the NBA Draft Lottery on Monday night. The Dallas Mavericks, with an astonishingly low 1.8% chance, miraculously secured the coveted No. 1 pick. Following closely were the San Antonio Spurs and the Philadelphia 76ers, who both entered the lottery as underdogs, landing at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. Here’s a detailed look at the top-10 picks for the 2025 NBA Draft:
1. Dallas Mavericks 2. San Antonio Spurs 3. Philadelphia 76ers 4. Charlotte Hornets 5. Utah Jazz 6. Washington Wizards 7. New Orleans Pelicans 8. Brooklyn Nets 9. Toronto Raptors 10. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix Suns)The Dallas Mavericks must be feeling incredibly fortunate after their last Play-In Tournament game against the Grizzlies. Had they won that match, they would have forfeited their place in the lottery for a chance to face the top-seeded OKC in the playoffs. Instead, their loss granted them a mere 1.8% chance to land the No. 1 pick. It’s akin to betting on the longest shot at the Kentucky Derby, but against all odds, they emerged victorious.
This unexpected victory positions the Mavericks to rebuild their roster and potentially transform into immediate contenders. They have a range of options, including drafting Cooper Flagg, a player likely ready to contribute right away, thereby solidifying their future as a two-way cornerstone that Nico Harrison has been eager to acquire. If Kyrie Irving returns from injury by January, a trio of Irving, Flagg, and Anthony Davis surrounded by shooters and defenders could form a formidable lineup, arguably more competitive than one led by Luka Dončić.
For Cooper Flagg, the lottery results couldn’t have played out better. The worst-case scenario for him would have been landing with the Washington Wizards, a team notorious for its struggles. While the Charlotte Hornets would have offered the chance to team up with LaMelo Ball, and the Utah Jazz are in good hands under Danny Ainge, Washington would have been a nightmare. Now, Flagg is either headed to a competitive team in the Mavericks or could be traded to a more promising destination, avoiding the losing atmosphere of Washington.
After signing Paul George with hopes of elevating their status, the Philadelphia 76ers faced a disastrous season. With Joel Embiid playing only 19 games and George not meeting expectations, the franchise shifted focus to enhancing their lottery odds. Their persistence paid off, as they not only stayed within the top six but also secured the No. 3 overall pick. Although missing out on the top pick is disappointing, this deep draft offers ample opportunities for the Sixers, whether through selecting a promising young player or utilizing the pick as a valuable trade asset.
The San Antonio Spurs continue their ascent by landing the No. 2 pick in this summer’s draft, despite only having a 6.3% chance. Following their acquisition of Victor Wembanyama two years ago and last year's Rookie of the Year, Stephon Castle, the Spurs are building a bright future. With this new pick, they can either draft another young talent or leverage it as a trade asset to expedite their timeline for contention. With Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially on the table, the Spurs have multiple options to consider.
In a surprising turn of events, the Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz, and Washington Wizards—teams that had intentionally tanked throughout the season—failed to secure the top picks they desperately sought. With the highest odds (14.5% each) of winning the lottery, they ended up with picks No. 4, No. 5, and No. 6, respectively. This outcome highlights the ongoing struggle for teams aiming to rebuild through the lottery, especially since no team with the worst record has won the No. 1 pick since the lottery odds were smoothed in 2019.
While the Oklahoma City Thunder have built a promising young roster and possess a wealth of assets, they faced a rare setback in this lottery. Adding another lottery pick would have significantly boosted their already impressive lineup. Although they remain in a strong position, their luck seemed to run out this time.
Nico Harrison was on the verge of facing severe backlash after trading away Luka Dončić for what many perceived as an underwhelming return. But fortune smiled upon him as the Mavericks secured the No. 1 pick with Cooper Flagg on the horizon. This new opportunity allows Harrison to potentially redeem himself and reshape the narrative surrounding his controversial trade, marking a miraculous turn of events for the franchise.
For those who revel in NBA conspiracy theories, Monday night was a treasure trove of intrigue. The outcomes seemed too fortuitous to ignore, with the league likely favoring certain franchises to enhance their marketability and competitiveness. The Mavericks’ unlikely ascent to the No. 1 pick, the Spurs' rise to a top-two selection, and the 76ers landing a top-three pick all added to the conspiratorial narrative. The improbability of these outcomes raises questions and fuels speculation about the integrity of the lottery.
