The Dallas Mavericks delivered a significant surprise to the NBA world back in February by trading Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. Their subsequent win in the NBA Draft lottery on Monday led fans to speculate about another unexpected move from General Manager Nico Harrison. However, reports suggest there will be no further surprises regarding the No. 1 overall selection in June. According to ESPN, the Mavericks plan to keep the pick and draft Cooper Flagg from Duke University.
Cooper Flagg has been widely projected as the top prospect throughout the season. The Mavericks` previous move, trading the 25-year-old Dončić for the 31-year-old Anthony Davis, seemed to indicate a focus on immediate contention. If this focus on the present had remained the priority, Dallas might have considered trading the No. 1 pick for established veteran All-Stars, perhaps even someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
However, ESPN`s Tim McMahon reports that Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont considers Flagg a “gift.” This perspective is fitting, considering the incredibly low 1.8% odds Dallas had of winning the lottery on Monday. Flagg`s potential arrival is seen as a solution to many of the challenges that arose following the Dončić trade.
Many fans saw Dončić as the heir apparent to Dirk Nowitzki, a potential franchise cornerstone who could represent Dallas for decades. The acquisition of the older Anthony Davis, already a champion with the Lakers, wasn`t viewed similarly by many, leading some fans to disengage. With Flagg, the team has a renewed opportunity to find that long-term star, someone fans can follow and support as they develop throughout their career.
This stroke of lottery luck is particularly crucial for Dallas because the team does not control its first-round picks from 2027 through 2030. Consequently, this year and potentially next were the only realistic opportunities to acquire a high-level prospect through the draft. The trade for Davis, which prioritized a veteran over younger players and future draft capital, had made securing such a prospect through the draft less likely. By winning the lottery against significant odds and reportedly choosing to keep the pick, the organization appears to be wisely embracing this unexpected opportunity. While questions remain about Flagg`s specific role and teammates, it is now reportedly certain that he will join the team, avoiding another major, potentially controversial, trade.
