In a dramatic turn ahead of the June 25, 2025 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks were caught revealing their plan to select Duke phenom Cooper Flagg
with the No. 1 pick. A now-deleted team webpage featured Flagg donning a Mavericks jersey under a glowing “Welcome to Dallas” banner—sparking accusations of a premature leak and raising eyebrows across the leagueWhat We Know
Despite just a 1.8% chance in the draft lottery, Dallas struck gold to land the No. 1 overall pick, sending shockwaves through NBA social media
Flagg, a two-way forward from Duke, posted college averages of 19.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 4.2 APG, earning consensus national player of the year honors
At 18, he’s projected as one of the youngest, most promising prospects in draft history
Three NBA scouts and executives describe Flagg as a potential multi-time All-Star with elite defensive versatility, mixed with a need for shooting refinement
Magic Johnson publicly endorsed him as a star who could elevate Dallas alongside veterans like Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving .
Flagg himself maintained composure amid the frenzy, stating he’s “just trying to enjoy every single moment” and labelling the lottery result as “crazy,” but not in his control
Dallas Mavericks: “Flagg Fever” Ignites
Winning the No. 1 pick has already energized the Mavericks’ front office. CEO Rick Welts reported a 28× increase in season ticket inquiries and a 35× boost in waitlist additions—backed by a flood of interest from corporate sponsors
. An exuberant mood at the American Airlines Center suggests a renewed belief in the franchise’s trajectory.
Yet, the leak troubles don’t end there. Speculation persists that the Mavericks may have planned this early reveal to stir excitement—and control the narrative after the controversial Luka Dončić → Anthony Davis trade
Is the Draft Lottery Rigged?
Conspiracy Buzz
Draymond Green reignited controversy on live TV, questioning the legitimacy of Dallas’s unlikely lottery victory .
Historically, when major teams make blockbuster trades—think Lakers–Pelicans–LeBron or Spurs–Wembanyama—the lottery once again seems to reward them. Critics argue Dallas buzzed to the top to “compensate” for the Dončić trade
“NBA 100% rigged this draft lottery to reward Dallas … you can’t make this up.”
“If they win the lottery, the Luka trade was helped along by the NBA.”
League Response
Commissioner Adam Silver has faced renewed pressure to address lottery transparency. The similarity to the 1985 “frozen envelope” conspiracy has only deepened scrutiny
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What’s Next Until the Draft?
Dallas will officially announce their pick during the Draft Combine in Chicago, expected to confirm Flagg as the cornerstone of the new era
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Coaching staff under Jason Kidd will begin designing development plans to integrate Flagg with Anthony Davis and veterans.
Mavericks fan engagement: plans are underway for a fan draft watch party—Rick Welts anticipates a record turnout after 28× surge in engagement
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Final Thoughts
Dallas finds itself at a crossroads—balancing ‘Flagg Fever’ excitement with casting doubt over the legitimacy of their draft win. As June 25 looms, all eyes will be on:
How Cooper Flagg adapts to the NBA stage.
Whether the Mavericks can build a cohesive core led by vivid youth and seasoned veterans.
If the NBA will confront or ignore the conspiracy theories threatening the league’s credibility.
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