The basketball world was rocked when the Dallas Mavericks defied 98.2% odds and clinched the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery. With the lottery results now finalized, fans, analysts, and franchises are scrambling to project what’s next as the top NBA draft prospects of 2025 prepare to define the league’s future. This year’s draft class features elite talent like Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, and Tre Johnson. And with massive shifts like the Luka Dončić trade shaking up the NBA landscape, all eyes are on what comes next.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the full 2025 NBA Draft order, lottery odds, draft date, top prospects, mock drafts, and what the Mavericks might do with their golden ticket. Bookmark this post — it’s your go-to hub for all things NBA Draft 2025.
🎉 2025 NBA Draft Lottery Results: Mavericks Strike Gold
On May 12, 2025, the NBA held its annual draft lottery, where ping-pong balls determined the fate of 14 non-playoff teams. The Dallas Mavericks, holding just a 1.8% chance to secure the top pick, pulled off the improbable, jumping from the bottom of the odds chart to No. 1.
Top 10 NBA Draft Lottery Results (2025):
- Dallas Mavericks
- San Antonio Spurs
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Charlotte Hornets
- Utah Jazz
- Washington Wizards
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Brooklyn Nets
- Toronto Raptors
- Houston Rockets
The Mavericks’ win is particularly shocking given their controversial trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers just weeks prior. General Manager Nico Harrison, under fire for that move, now has a chance to reshape the franchise with the top pick.
🔹 When Is the 2025 NBA Draft?
The 2025 NBA Draft is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. ESPN and ABC will broadcast the event live.
Key Dates to Remember:
- Draft Combine: May 13–19, 2025
- Early Entry Deadline: April 27, 2025
- Withdrawal Deadline: June 16, 2025
🏀 Top NBA Draft Prospects 2025: Names to Know
The 2025 class is considered one of the deepest in recent memory. Here are the consensus top prospects generating buzz:
1. Cooper Flagg (Duke, SF/PF)
Projected No. 1 pick. Flagg is a versatile forward with elite athleticism, defensive instincts, and playmaking ability. The Mavericks are expected to select him.
2. Dylan Harper (Rutgers, PG/SG)
Dynamic combo guard with elite scoring and passing. Likely headed to San Antonio at No. 2.
3. Ace Bailey (Rutgers, SF)
Explosive athlete and aggressive slasher. Bailey’s game has shades of Brandon Ingram and is a great fit for Philadelphia.
4. Tre Johnson (Texas, SG)
Pure scorer with deep shooting range. Johnson is a top-five lock and may land in Charlotte.
5. Cameron Boozer (Christopher Columbus HS, PF/C)
The high school standout and son of Carlos Boozer could make the leap if he declares.
Other notable names: Ian Jackson, Ron Holland, Matas Buzelis, and Bronny James, depending on eligibility.
🎯 NBA Mock Draft 2025: Early Projections
Here’s a preview of how the first 10 picks might shake out based on team needs and talent:
- Dallas Mavericks – Cooper Flagg (Duke)
- San Antonio Spurs – Dylan Harper (Rutgers)
- Philadelphia 76ers – Ace Bailey (Rutgers)
- Charlotte Hornets – Tre Johnson (Texas)
- Utah Jazz – Cameron Boozer (High School)
- Washington Wizards – Ian Jackson (Arkansas)
- New Orleans Pelicans – Matas Buzelis (G League Ignite)
- Brooklyn Nets – Ron Holland (G League Ignite)
- Toronto Raptors – Bronny James (USC)
- Houston Rockets – Ja’Kobe Walter (Baylor)
This draft class is loaded, and team strategies will evolve as workouts and interviews unfold.
🎨 Spotlight: Cooper Flagg to the Mavericks?
Cooper Flagg’s fit in Dallas is intriguing. The 6’9″ Duke freshman is drawing comparisons to Kevin Durant and Andrei Kirilenko — a rare combo of length, shooting, defense, and court vision. His versatility would give Dallas a new franchise cornerstone following the departure of Luka Dončić.
Flagg averaged 17.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game in his freshman year. His defensive IQ and motor make him a day-one impact player.
With Nico Harrison’s reputation on the line, selecting Flagg is a no-brainer and a potential career-defining move.
📊 How Does the NBA Draft Lottery Work?
The NBA Draft Lottery determines the top 14 picks among the teams that missed the playoffs. Each team is assigned odds based on their regular-season record.
In 2025, the lottery odds were as follows:
- Worst record: 14.0% chance at No. 1
- Dallas Mavericks: 1.8% chance at No. 1 (won)
Fourteen ping-pong balls numbered 1 through 14 are used in the draw. Four balls are selected to form a combination. There are 1,001 possible combinations, and each team is assigned a portion of them.
Once the top four picks are decided, the rest of the order is determined by reverse record.
🔊 Why the NBA World Is Buzzing
Multiple storylines are making this draft cycle one of the most hyped in years:
- Luka Dončić trade drama: Dallas’ front office bet big by dealing their superstar. The No. 1 pick may redeem them.
- Stacked draft class: From Flagg to Harper to Bailey, this class is filled with stars-in-the-making.
- Draft lottery chaos: The randomness of this year’s result adds intrigue and unpredictability.
- Nico Harrison’s legacy: After heavy criticism, this pick may define his tenure as Mavericks GM.
- Future of rebuilding teams: Franchises like the Hornets, Wizards, and Pelicans are looking to turn the corner.
🔼 Where to Watch the NBA Draft Lottery and Draft
- NBA Draft Lottery Replay: Available on the NBA’s YouTube channel and ESPN.
- NBA Draft 2025: Will air on ESPN and ABC on June 26, 2025.
- Live stream: Watch via ESPN app or streaming services like Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Hulu Live.
📅 What’s Next?
As the NBA Combine unfolds and players participate in workouts and interviews, expect the draft boards to shift. Rumors of trades — particularly from teams like the Rockets and Nets — could also reshape the draft order.
Keep checking back here for:
- Updated 2025 NBA mock drafts
- Player interviews and combine stats
- Team draft strategy breakdowns
- Trade rumors and verified moves
The 2025 NBA Draft is poised to be franchise-altering. From Cooper Flagg’s superstar potential to the Mavericks’ redemption arc, the excitement is just beginning.
Stay locked in. 🏀
