Dallas Mavericks Secure the First Pick of the 2025 NBA Draft
The [Dallas Mavericks](/nba/team/_/name/dal/dallas-mavericks) won the NBA 2025 draft lottery on Monday, securing the first pick. This victory gives them the opportunity to choose the player considered the best prospect of the 2025 class: [Cooper Flagg](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/5041939/cooper-flagg) from Duke.
In an unexpected turn, the Mavs capitalized on their low 1.8% chance of winning the lottery, which will allow them to select Flagg, who is seen as the most promising player in the 2025 draft lists. The [San Antonio Spurs](/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs), the [Philadelphia 76ers](/nba/team/_/name/phi/philadelphia-76ers) and the [Charlotte Hornets](/nba/team/_/name/cha/charlotte-hornets) were also fortunate on Monday, securing the number 2, 3 and 4 picks respectively.
The Spurs had only a 6.3% chance of moving up to number 2 from number 8, while the 76ers had a 10.6% chance of moving up to number 3 from number 5. Dallas’s victory generated a significant impact on the draft order.
Flagg, along with other prominent prospects such as [Dylan Harpe](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/5037871/dylan-harper), [Derik Queen](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4869780/derik-queen) and [Walter Clayton Jr.](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4896372/walter-clayton-jr), are participating this week in the NBA draft combine and the G League Elite Camp in Chicago.
Our Alofoke Deportes draft analysts will provide updates from the Wintrust Arena, where prospects perform drills, measurements, athletic tests, medical exams, team interviews, and practice games.
Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo have shared their first post-lottery mock draft, reflecting a comprehensive evaluation of the 2025 class, considering information from scouts and front office personnel.
First Draft Selections
1. Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke
Scouting Report: Flagg has earned a spot as the number 1 draft pick thanks to his outstanding freshman season. His statistics and leadership ability make him an exceptional prospect.
Some NBA scouts project him as a franchise player, while others see him as an elite secondary star. His rapid improvement, versatility, and focus at 18 make him a special prospect.
NBA Information and Fit: Winning the lottery with only a 1.8% chance is an unlikely victory for the Mavericks. With Flagg, the team seeks to maximize its current window, leveraging the experience of [Anthony Davis](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6583/anthony-davis) and [Kyrie Irving](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6442/kyrie-irving). Flagg could assume significant responsibilities in playmaking, giving him the opportunity to become an offensive star.
Cooper Flagg reacts after the Mavericks’ victory in the NBA draft lottery
2. San Antonio Spurs
Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers
Scouting Report: Harper has demonstrated a high level of skill, shot creation ability, and scoring. His ability to finish in contact and draw fouls is a strength.
NBA Information and Fit: The Spurs were already in an enviable position, and now, with this new selection, they have a great opportunity to strengthen their roster.
While Harper’s fit with [De’Aaron Fox](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4066259/deaaron-fox) and Castle doesn’t seem perfect, it would be surprising if San Antonio’s front office didn’t pick him, as he’s considered the second-best prospect after Flagg.
3. Philadelphia 76ers
Airious “Ace” Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers
Scouting Report: Bailey has been a divisive player for scouts. His flashes of scoring potential are notable, although he is still developing in other key areas.
NBA Information and Fit: The Sixers are celebrating their draft pick moving up to number 3. Bailey could be an important asset for the team’s future, along with [Tyrese Maxey](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4431678/tyrese-maxey) and [Jared McCain](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4683778/jared-mccain).
The Best Options for Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey in the NBA
4. Charlotte Hornets
VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
Scouting Report: Edgecombe had a successful season, showcasing his physique, intensity, and improvement as a ball handler and shooter.
NBA Information and Fit: The Hornets remain in an early stage of rebuilding, with [LaMelo Ball](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4432816/lamelo-ball) and [Brandon Miller](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4433287/brandon-miller). Edgecombe could fit well with them.
5. Utah Jazz
Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
Scouting Report: Fears had a spectacular first-year season, demonstrating his long-term potential.
NBA Information and Fit: Falling outside the top four is disappointing for the Jazz. They will seek to find a player who can propel the team towards victory.
6. Washington Wizards
Tre Johnson, SG, Texas
Scouting Report: Johnson is one of the best scorers in the draft, capable of making difficult shots. He needs to improve in several areas.
Information and Fit in the NBA: The Wizards, the youngest team in the NBA, have renewed their roster. Choosing Johnson could be key to the team’s future.
7. New Orleans Pelicans
Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Scouting Report: Maluach is the top defensive prospect in this draft.
NBA Information and Fit: The Pelicans need stars to build around [Zion Williamson](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4395628/zion-williamson). The number 7 pick complicates their plans.
8. Brooklyn Nets
Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke
Scouting Report: Knueppel proved to be a valuable player with versatile skills.
NBA Information and Fit: The Nets now have four first-round picks to fuel their rebuild.
9. Toronto Raptors
Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina
Scouting Report: Murray-Boyles has been of interest to NBA teams. His statistical profile is attractive.
Information and Fit in the NBA: Toronto has begun to rebuild the team. Murray-Boyles could be a great addition.
Collin Murray-Boyles of South Carolina rises in the latest mock draft
10. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix)
Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois
Scouting Report: Jakucionis had a standout season at Illinois.
NBA Information and Fit: The Rockets have an opportunity to strengthen their roster, either by selecting a prospect or using this pick as a bargaining chip.
11. Portland Trail Blazers
Derik Queen, C, Maryland
Scouting Report: Queen is a great player with a lot of skill.
Information and Fit in the NBA: Portland’s rebuild is underway, and Queen could be a good option, despite his shooting deficiencies.
12. Chicago Bulls
Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU
Scouting Report: Demin is a polarizing prospect, but with great talent.
NBA Information and Fit: The Bulls need to improve their roster to avoid the play-in tournament. This selection is important.
13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento)
Jase Richardson, PG/SG, Michigan State
Scouting Report: Richardson is a versatile player with good performance.
NBA Information and Fit: The Hawks are looking to improve their roster and Richardson could be a good option.
14. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta)
Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona
Scouting Report: Bryant could improve his position in the pre-draft process. He is a versatile player.
NBA Information and Fit: The Spurs could need Bryant to reinforce their roster.
Shams: The Spurs’ jump in the lottery could affect Giannis
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami)
Nolan Traore, PG, Saint-Quentin
Scouting Report: Traore has had ups and downs, but has shown great potential.
NBA Information and Fit: The Thunder could use these picks to improve their roster.
