Cooper Flagg to Mavs, Dylan Harper to Spurs? Wild Lottery Spins NBA Draft on Its Head

As NBA fans waited on pins and needles for the dramatic conclusion of the 2025 draft lottery, one man who stood to benefit the most had his attention elsewhere.

Dallas Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont wasn’t even watching.

“He wasn’t following it in real time. He was at his kid’s track meet,” Mavericks CEO Rick Welts said after the team defied 1.8% odds to win the lottery and secure the right to select Duke freshman phenom Cooper Flagg. “(Former Mavericks owner) Mark Cuban called him to say, ‘Oh my God, we’re in the top four.’ (Later) Mark Cuban called him back and (said) … we won, but (Dumont) said Mark was screaming so loud he couldn’t tell exactly what Mark was saying.”

The Mavericks’ season ended in frustration, losing in the Play-In Tournament after trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers in a blockbuster that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas. That deal drew massive backlash from fans, most of it directed at general manager Nico Harrison. But the loss meant lottery odds, and lottery odds delivered.

“Everyone, including Patrick, has been through a lot the past three months,” Welts said. “This is just such a moment of exhilaration, a breath of fresh air for the franchise. You really feel like we get a fresh start.”

Lottery chaos delivers drama, and hope

This year’s lottery wasn’t just unpredictable — it was outright chaotic. The Charlotte Hornets slipped to No. 4, opening the door for full madness at the top.

• The San Antonio Spurs will pick second, and had just a 6.0% shot to move up. They’ll now explore the idea of pairing Dylan Harper or another top prospect with Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox.
• The Philadelphia 76ers landed the No. 3 pick, saving their first-rounder by finishing in the top six. If not, it would’ve conveyed to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Instead, the Sixers now hold a premium asset after a season that ended in disarray despite acquiring Paul George.

Make no mistake — Flagg is the top prize, and arguably the most can’t-miss No. 1 pick since Wembanyama. But this wasn’t just about ping-pong balls. It was about karma, chaos, and comedy colliding.

“I’m willing to bet you’re talking to the only person who was in the room 40 years ago (when the Knicks won the 1985 lottery for Patrick Ewing),” Welts said. “I’ve been doing conspiracy theory stories for the last 40 years. I’m happy I was sitting down here (in front of the stage) and nowhere else.”

“This one was a crazy one,” added Raptors president Masai Ujiri, whose team fell from No. 7 to No. 9. “I guess the lottery is real, then.”

Fit check: Cooper Flagg and the new-look Mavericks

Flagg will arrive in Dallas as the future face of the franchise. But figuring out where he fits in the present — that’s where it gets interesting.

The Mavericks, under Harrison, have quietly been stockpiling length and defense. Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and P.J. Washington all figure into the frontcourt mix. Flagg likely slots in as a combo forward, potentially starting at the three. He’s fluid, fast, and competitive — the kind of defender who can switch and cover ground on the perimeter.

That said, Dallas is suddenly top-heavy in the frontcourt and paper-thin in the backcourt. That’s even more apparent with Kyrie Irving recovering from a torn ACL suffered in March.

“We’re happy to be talking about a story that’s not health,” Welts said. “It’s been a lot of talk about injuries and a lot of talk about health for the last three months. It’s great to have something this positive and this exciting to talk about.”

A new day in Dallas

Doncic’s departure left a crater — emotionally and competitively. And the criticism hasn’t stopped since the trade. But in a matter of minutes, the Mavericks went from a franchise under fire to one holding the keys to the draft.

No, this doesn’t erase Doncic. It doesn’t erase the risk. But it resets the clock.

“I’m so happy for Mavericks fans,” Welts said. “I only got to Dallas on Jan. 1 this year. On Feb. 1, we broke the internet. I’m just amazed at the depth of emotion and the connection that fan base has with this team. What happened today … I can’t imagine what it’s going to mean for Mavs fans. It’s going to really be something special. I can’t wait to get back to Dallas.

“I think there are parties in the streets tonight in Dallas.”

Beyond Flagg: Strong top five

While Flagg is the headline, the rest of the 2025 draft class is no afterthought. Rutgers guard Dylan Harper, a 6-foot-6 playmaker and son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, is the projected No. 2 pick. He attacks the rim with purpose and has advanced feel as a passer.

Behind him, Rutgers forward Ace Bailey, Baylor guard V.J. Edgecombe, and Duke wing Kon Knueppel are all viewed as potential top-five talents. Several teams — including Philadelphia and San Antonio — now hold serious ammo to either build young or go star-hunting via trade.

But the biggest win? It belongs to a Mavericks team that lost its star, lost its footing, and now, has found its future.