On Monday, the NBA landscape was shaken when the Dallas Mavericks emerged victorious in the 2025 NBA Draft lottery. Entering the night with only a 1.8% chance, their triumph was unexpected given they had the lowest odds among the teams involved.

This surprising outcome has generated significant buzz due to the recent controversy regarding the Mavericks’ general manager Nico Harrison’s decision to trade away star player Luka Dončić. Many believe that had this trade not taken place, the Mavericks would have likely secured a playoff spot, diminishing their chances at the top pick.

The reaction across the sports community has been mixed: fans of the Mavericks are celebrating while rival fans express their disdain. Notably, Patrick Mahomes, the star quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, proclaimed his unwavering support for the team, frequently spotted at their games.

Former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban showed signs of excitement despite his earlier ambivalence towards the team following the Dončić trade. Stars such as LeBron James and Kevin Love could only respond with incredulous laughter upon hearing the news, embodying the disbelief and confusion surrounding the Mavericks’ luck.

Analysts are speculating about the potential roster the Mavericks could assemble should they choose Cooper Flagg, a promising prospect from Duke, with the top pick. With a blend of experienced players like Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson, along with emerging talents, the Mavericks appear poised for a bright future.