2025 NBA Draft lottery winners (Cooper Flagg! Mavs!) and losers (the lottery system)
2025 NBA Draft lottery winners (Cooper Flagg! Mavs!) and losers (the lottery system)
Monday night's 2025 NBA Draft lottery sent the first-overall pick to the Dallas Mavericks in a shock, and plenty of winners and losers emerged from how the chips fell.
2025 NBA Mock Draft 5.0: First round predictions post-lottery, with Cooper Flagg at No. 1
The winners were pretty obvious, as were some of the losers. The Mavericks once again grabbed headlines for an unbelievable NBA development, and yet another generational talent found out where he'll most likely start his career.
2025 NBA Draft order: Where each team will pick in the first-round
We've gone through the results to tab who these winners and losers are and why they earned those labels.
Winner: Mavericks GM Nico Harrison
Just months after enraging Mavericks fans by trading Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers out of nowhere, the embattled Dallas general manager got the lifeline of a lifetime with the first-overall 2025 NBA Draft pick. He will most likely use that selection to take Duke superstar Cooper Flagg, who will anchor a new era in Dallas basketball. Anger from the Dončić trade won't ever go away in full, but landing Flagg should save Harrison some grief with Dallas fans. He's got one of the easiest decisions to make in NBA history next month by drafting Flagg. If he messes this up, we'll be even more shocked than with him trading away Luka.
Winner: Cooper Flagg
Flagg going to a Mavericks team loaded with veteran talent would be a fantastic way for his NBA career to start. Rather than kicking off a rebuild in Utah with the Jazz or trying to dig teams like the Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans and Charlotte Hornets out of the doldrums, Flagg looks to go to a team that already boasts Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, among others. That's an outstanding situation for Flagg to join as a rookie. He's a clear winner in this.
Loser: Jazz, Wizards, Pelicans and Hornets fans
Long-suffering fans of the Jazz, Hornets, Pelicans and Wizards had to watch the coveted Flagg pick go to a team that literally just played in the 2024 NBA Finals. That's just tough, and the "rigged" conspiracy theories are understandable. When will these teams catch a break? Those Flagg dreams went up in smoke so fast.
Loser: NBA fans who aren't ready for the Spurs to be great again
We're sorry for those who aren't ready for a new dawn in San Antonio. The Spurs are set up for real success in 2025, and the second-overall pick will play a big part in that. Yes, the team could stay put and land an impact rookie to join budding superstar Victor Wembanyama, but flipping the pick to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of a trade package to land Giannis Antetokounmpo is also a real possibility. Either way, the Spurs are going to put a pretty formidable team on the court this fall. The new era of Spurs dominance looks to be right on schedule.
Yes, Antetokounmpo really could wind up in San Antonio this summer. The Spurs trading the draft's second-overall pick for the superstar feels more and more realistic by the minute. Antetokounmpo teaming up with Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle feels unfair at this point, but that's what happens when you win the lottery like the Spurs did. Sure, it takes two to tango, but if Giannis really decides to move on from the Bucks, San Antonio might be his next landing spot. Who else can offer this premium a draft pick to Milwaukee right now?
Winner: The 76ers' 2025 turnaround
The 76ers might not have to wait long to get back to the NBA playoffs. Landing the third-overall pick in this year's draft should land Philly an instant impact rookie, which will only make the team's young foundation even stronger. Sure, superstar Joel Embiid's injury history is always a talking point, but a top-three pick joining young stars like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain should give Philadelphia fans plenty to look forward to down the road. Hey, if the vets like Embiid, Paul George, Kyle Lowry, Andre Drummond and Guerschon Yabusele stick around and/or play well, the 76ers could seriously contend next season.
Loser: The NBA hoping people won't feel the draft lottery is rigged
Yeah, we can't really help the NBA on this one. When the Mavericks, Spurs and 76ers are in your top four and the Wizards, Jazz and Pelicans are on the outside looking in, the "rigged" accusations won't go away. Nobody likes the draft lottery when it doesn't go their way, but this year's results will get fans even more suspicious than before. It's not great if you're hoping to convince people of league impartiality.
Winner: Mavericks fans who really deserved a break
Take a victory lap, Mavs fans. After losing Luka, you will most likely land Cooper. It might not be the same as it was, but you can now be excited about the future of your franchise again. You guys seriously deserve it after how your year started.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
15 minutes ago
- New York Post
Richard Jefferson wears Doris Burke shirt as announcer is thankful for support amid uncertain ESPN future
Doris Burke is receiving a lot of love this weekend. While at Oklahoma City's Devon Park on Friday for the Women's College World Series between Texas Tech and Texas, Richard Jefferson put out an endorsement for his broadcast partner. He joined the SEC Network pregame show dressed in a 'My Favorite Broadcaster is Doris Burke' shirt while being interviewed by Haylie McCleney, Tori Vidales and Alyssa Lang. Advertisement 6 Richard Jefferson wearing a Doris Burke shirt on the SEC pregame show ahead of the Women's College World Series. @SECNetwork/X Jefferson and Burke head the broadcast team for ESPN and ABC's NBA coverage, along with play-by-play voice Mike Breen. Advertisement Prior to Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday between the Pacers and Thunder, The Athletic reported that Burke's spot for next season is 'not guaranteed.' This year marks Burke's second NBA Finals as the lead analyst for ESPN. Jefferson, whom ESPN 'intends' to keep despite being on an expiring contract, per the report, clearly wanted to show that he has Burke's back. Advertisement 6 Burke watches as Jefferson shows off the shirt. @TomasKassahun/X 6 Jefferson points to Burke. @TomasKassahun/X He was also found in the softball crowd sitting next to Burke during Friday's game, and he again made his shirt known. Jefferson held out shirt and pointed to it for the camera, before motioning in her direction. Burke smiled and laughed at her teammate's gesture. Advertisement 6 Richard Jefferson, Doris Burke, and Mike Breen pose before the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. NBAE via Getty Images The ex-Nets star is not the only one to come to Burke's defense, with Pacers coach Rick Carlisle also speaking out on Burke's behalf prior to Game 1. 'I saw the things that were leaked yesterday about Doris Burke and I just wanted to say a couple of things. She has changed the game for women in broadcasting,' Carlisle said. 'Doris is a great example of courage and putting herself out there. It was just so sad to see the reports leaked, really unnecessarily, before such a celebrated event. Doris is a friend. I've asked her many times, when is she getting into coaching, because she has such great knowledge. There are many women who she's paved the way for.' 6 Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle speaks to the media after the Pacers defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder during game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Burke was promoted to the network's top NBA booth after ESPN parted ways with Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson. It has been an ever-changing panel, as Burke has been paired with three different co-analysts since joining the group. 6 Doris Burke arrives to the arena before the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks on April 9, 2025. NBAE via Getty Images Advertisement Burke joined ESPN Radio's 'Joe & Q' show earlier this week and had an emotional reaction to Carlisle's defense of her work. 'He reached out to me earlier in the day and I just want you guys to consider – I'm going to try not to get emotional here,' Burke said. 'The man is about to coach Game 1 of the NBA Finals, he has absolutely reached the pinnacle of his sport. 'But he took the time to check in on another human being to make sure I was okay. He has always been an enormous supporter of mine. And I just think it speaks to the human being he is. When he walked in that coaches meeting, I always give him a hug, I held him a little bit longer last night.'
USA Today
20 minutes ago
- USA Today
Former Wisconsin basketball center adds to his list of NBA workouts
Former Wisconsin basketball center adds to his list of NBA workouts Former Wisconsin Badgers center Steven Crowl is compiling a long list of NBA workouts. Crowl, whose Badgers tenure concluded with an NCAA Tournament Round of 32 loss to BYU in late March, has reportedly worked out with the Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Pelicans, Charlotte Hornets and Denver Nuggets over the past few weeks. The 7-foot center's most recent workout came with the Pelicans on Thursday, per The Athletic's Will Guillory. Crowl worked out alongside North Carolina's R.J. Davis, Arkansas' Johnell Davis and Kansas' Hunter Dickinson. Earlier this week, the Hornets worked out former Badger Chucky Hepburn alongside Crowl, per Hornets beat writer Rod Boone. The two spent three seasons in Madison together from 2021-24. Crowl isn't the only former Badger to dip his toes into NBA waters this offseason. Star guard John Blackwell worked out with the Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trailblazers and Philadelphia 76ers before withdrawing from the 2025 NBA draft in late May. The Minnesota native started 141 of his 153 career appearances in five seasons from 2020-25. In those contests, the veteran averaged 9.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and two assists off a 52.5% shooting rate from the field, 36.3% mark from 3 and 82% clip from the charity stripe. During Wisconsin's 27-10 output this past season, Crowl started all 37 games and logged per-game averages of 9.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He did so while shooting 54% from the field, a strong 41% from 3 and 82% from the free-throw line. At his size, Crowl's shooting ability is an unquestionable commodity in the NBA. Given modern spacing and skill at the center position, the former Badger's progression as a shooter, especially from the top of the key, headlines his potential professional portfolio. Nonetheless, Crowl's odds of being picked in the 2025 NBA draft or signing with an NBA franchise are slim. The workouts will expose him to some NBA personnel, but his most likely route revolves around a career oversees. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Tottenham: Harry Redknapp 'not writing off' Mauricio Pochettino return after Ange Postecoglou sacking
Ex-Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said that the club's decision to sack Ange Postecoglou did not surprise him in the slightest and would not write off a return for Mauricio Pochettino. Redknapp, who managed Spurs from 2008 to 2012, said that Postecoglou's dismissal was 'harsh', but did concede that the north Londoners had been 'atrocious' this term. Advertisement Spurs won the Europa League, qualifying for next season's Champions League in the process, but it was their 17th-placed finish in the Premier League table that was the final straw for Daniel Levy. Postecoglou had delivered Spurs' first piece of silverware since the League Cup in 2008, and their first European crown in 41 years. However, Redknapp noted one particular factor that made him realise that the Australian's time was up. 'I thought it was a certainty, doesn't shock me at all,' Redknapp said of Postecoglou's sacking. 'Daniel has had two weeks after the cup final to come out and stop the speculation, from day one after they won that cup he never came out. Advertisement "All Daniel had to say was, no, he's our manager. He's here. We're looking forward to next season, but he didn't say a word. 'I knew then for sure he was finished, so it's not a shock in any shape or form to me. It was obvious he was going and [the final] made up Daniel's mind. "It wasn't the best game, it was two poor sides and I think, given their position in the table, Daniel would have made up his mind long before the final that he was going." Serial winner: Ange Postecoglou (Getty Images) Redknapp had thought that the Europa League trophy could have been Postecoglou's saving grace, but he accepted that Spurs' league form - where they lost 22 of 38 games - was unacceptable. Advertisement 'It's harsh, it's a difficult one,' he said. 'They were atrocious this season. 'The league form, fourth from bottom, they had a shocker, they won the cup, sometimes you get a bit of luck with the draw. 'But Daniel has looked at it and is thinking, 'hang on, Man United kept [Erik] Ten Hag last year after winning a cup and they went out and bought some players under his leadership and then suddenly they sacked him. 'Were they going to take that chance with Ange? Bringing four or five new players and suddenly things haven't improved in the league by Christmas, then they have to sack him and are stuck with the players he brought in. Advertisement 'He looks a good guy and I'd have liked to have seen him given more of a chance but it was never going to happen once Daniel didn't come out and support him.' The league form, fourth from bottom, they had a shocker, they won the cup, sometimes you get a bit of luck with the draw Harry Redknapp Looking ahead to who could replace Postecoglou in the dugout, Thomas Frank, the Brentford boss, is the frontrunner, according to reports. Redknapp said that the project at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would be an attractive one for a lot of top coaches. "It's a great job for someone," he said.. "I know they finished fourth from bottom in the Premier League, but they won a trophy this year, they're in the Champions League next year. Advertisement "Let's not kid ourselves. Tottenham is a big club. The training facilities are out of this world. The stadium is probably the best stadium in the world now. "What a job for somebody. They've got a good squad. When they're all fit and playing, they've got 20-odd players there that are very, very good players. Some good young players, too, the kids who have come through this year look very good. 'There'll be an awful lot of people who would love that opportunity to manage Tottenham for sure, and Frank at Brentford is a big odds-on favourite. "Even Mauricio Pochettino - a friend of mine rang me and said, you know, what about Pochettino going back there? It's possible. I wouldn't write him off. Naturally, I'd be pleased."
