The Dallas Mavericks won the lottery and will have the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft for the second time in franchise history after a historical leap on Monday.
They entered the lottery slotted 11th with just a 1.8% chance of receiving the top pick, good for the fourth-lowest odds to win since the system was instituted in 1985. The victory was the first time the Mavericks had moved up when in a lottery position.
Dallas is now in a prime position to select Duke All-American Cooper Flagg with the top pick on June 25. He is the overwhelming favorite to hear his name called first after establishing himself as the National College Player of the Year this past season.
While the Mavericks emerged as the big winners from Monday, teams like the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards didn't fare quite as well. The two teams, each with a 14% chance of landing the top pick, fell four spots down in the lottery and will draft fifth and sixth, respectively.
With the order set following the lottery, draft boards will fluctuate as team needs and player fit play a factor in projecting how the first round will pan out. Teams can begin scheduling interviews and workouts now that they know which prospects could be available in their range.
Executives and coaches will have the opportunity to get a closer look at prospects this week at the draft combine in Chicago, Illinois. Players have already completed anthropometric testing and on-court drills, with 5-on-5 scrimmages beginning on Wednesday.
Team workouts are expected to ramp up once the combine wraps up, with the early withdrawal deadline looming on May 28. Prospects such as Carter Bryant, Alex Condon, Yaxel Lendeborg, Labaron Philon, Thomas Sorber and Darrion Williams are among those weighing their options.
Rookie Wire looked at the upcoming draft class following the lottery and where things stand before the early entry withdrawal deadline. The rankings will undoubtedly change, but it can be a productive exercise to see where players are now ahead of the draft.
Height: 6-9 Weight: 221 Year: Fr. Position: F
After pulling off a miracle on Monday, the Mavericks will almost certainly select Flagg with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft. He entered his freshman campaign with high expectations as the consensus top recruit and lived up to the hype after becoming the face of the sport this past season.
The 18-year-old has drawn comparisons to former Duke legend and Hall of Famer Grant Hill because of his size, athleticism and ability to affect games in various ways. He also measured in with a 7-foot wingspan at the combine, giving the Mavericks yet another reason to love him as a prospect.
The organization struck tremendous luck on Monday after the debacle of trading away cornerstone Luke Dončić. The group now has another potential generational player it can build around, while also giving Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving help. Dallas is now in a great position moving forward.
Height: 6-6 Weight: 213 Year: Fr. Position: G
Harper is regarded as one of the top lead guards in the upcoming draft class. His size enables him to get to his spots, score virtually all over the court and get to the free-throw line after averaging 5.8 attempts per game with the Scarlet Knights.
The 19-year-old is considered the consensus No. 2 player in the draft this year. Though the Spurs have De'Aaron Fox and Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle in the backcourt, it'd be hard to see the organization pass on such a highly touted prospect like Harper.
Height: 6-5 Weight: 193 Year: Fr. Position: G
Edgecombe is viewed as one of the most athletic players in the draft class this year and was an offensive force when getting downhill, with his ability to create for himself and space the floor from beyond the arc. He also projects to be able to affect games at a high level on defense.
The Sixers may have emerged as the top draft-night winners outside of the Mavericks simply by being able to keep this pick after jumping up to No. 3. Edgecombe should fit well around the likes of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain based on his overall skill set.
For more coverage on the 76ers, visit Sixers Wire
Height: 6-8 Weight: 202 Year: Fr. Position: F
Bailey, who was listed at 6 feet, 10 inches at Rutgers, measured in at 6 feet, 7 1/2 inches barefoot this week at the draft combine. He was highly touted because of his ability to score at his size, but after coming in a bit shorter than expected, it is unclear how that could affect his draft stock.
The All-Big Ten third-team selection should still be considered a top-five pick, with his scoring instincts, offensive movement and feel for the game. The Hornets didn't have the lottery result they wanted, but the organization should still be able to add a potential cornerstone in Bailey to the roster.
Height: 6-3 Weight: 183 Year: Fr. Position: PG
Fears ascended draft boards throughout the season at Oklahoma and is now considered a potential top-five pick. He was able to impact games on both ends of the court, finishing as one of three Power Four players to average at least 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and 1.5 steals.
The Jazz were another team that had a rough night on Monday after slipping to fifth in the lottery. They should be a team considering several prospects with this pick, with Fears emerging as a strong candidate based on his overall skill set and ability.
Height: 6-6 Weight: 190 Year: Fr. Position: SG
The SEC Freshman of the Year dazzled on offense at Texas by creating for himself and hitting difficult shots on the move or with his patented step-backs and side-steps. He can also set up teammates on offense and registered a 6-foot, 10 1/4-inch wingspan that should also intrigue teams on the other end of the court. Wizards general manager Will Dawkins put on a brave face after watching his team drop on Monday and said the team is comfortable drafting at No. 6. But what happened to the Wizards in the lottery on Monday was anything but luck after finishing 18-64.
Height: 6-6 Weight: 219 Year: Fr. Position: F
Knueppel climbed draft boards throughout the year and established himself as a likely lottery pick, with his shooting and ability to facilitate offenses. He is reportedly on the mend from a sprained ankle, preventing him from participating in on-court drills at the combine, though the 19-year-old is hopeful to resume workouts by the end of the week. He'd likely benefit from team workouts and interviews to show his overall game outside of his shooting, but he appears to be a lock to go in the 7-14 range.
Height: 7-2 Weight: 252 Year: Fr. Position: C
Maluach, born in South Sudan, began playing basketball roughly seven years ago and is still a bit raw but ranked sixth in the country in offensive rebound percentage (16.5) and 2-point percentage (75.4) this past season. He measured in with a 7-foot, 6 3/4-inch wingspan at the draft combine and has a standing reach of 9 feet, 6 inches, which should intrigue teams. Maluach is one of the top defensive big men in the draft and would be afforded the time to develop with the Nets if that is the direction they go in.
For more coverage on the Nets, visit Nets Wire
Height: 6-10 Weight: 247 Year: Fr. Position: C
Queen set the Maryland freshman scoring record (594 points) after registering 12 20-point games and 15 double-doubles. He is a tremendous competitor and showed throughout the year his ability to affect games on the defensive end, with his activity, instincts and 7-foot wingspan. He struggled a bit in the 3-point shooting drills at the combine and will need to improve to show teams he can space the floor. However, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year still brings a lot to the court that should intrigue teams in this range.
Height: 6-6 Weight: 205 Year: Fr. Position: PG
Jakučionis led Illinois in scoring, tying the freshman record for total points in a season (494). He boasts vast high-level experience after playing with Barcelona and should be able to step in and provide scoring and playmaking. He will have to earn playing time on a veteran-laden team positioned for long playoff runs, though the Lithuanian will give the team depth in the backcourt.
For more coverage on the Rockets, visit Rockets Wire
Height: 6-8 Weight: 239 Year: So. Position: F
Murray-Boyles is highly touted for his defensive intensity and presence in the post. He finished as the only player in a Power Four conference to average at least 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block on 50% shooting from the field (58.6) last season with the Gamecocks. He measured in with a 7-foot wingspan at the combine, which should also intrigue teams. He isn't known as a floor-spacer at this stage of his career, which may hurt his stock a bit, but the 19-year-old can do many other things that should translate well to the next level.
Height: 6-8 Weight: 214 Year: Fr. Position: G
Bryant played in a sixth man role for much of the season but had a productive year, shooting 37.1% from 3-point range. He can do a little bit of everything on the court and emerged as a versatile defender last season with a near 7-foot wingspan. He is said to be testing the predraft process, so team interviews and workouts will be crucial for him as he weighs his options for next season.
Height: 6-4 Weight: 175 Year: N/A Position: PG
Traoré, the younger brother of Lakers forward Armel Traoré, was recently named the Champions League Best Young Player for his production with Saint-Quentin. He is currently playing some of his best basketball of the season, averaging 16.6 points, 5.8 assists and 1.6 rebounds on 48.1% shooting from 3-point range over his last five games. Traoré has the potential to be an elite playmaker at the next level, with his feel, instincts and passing, making him a possible option for the Hawks if they look to make roster changes under a new front office.
Height: 6-8 Weight: 194 Year: N/A Position: F
Essengue has a good interior game and has dazzled in the open court in fastbreak situations after creating turnovers with his length and instincts. He has put together some productive appearances of late with ratiopharm Ulm, including a 22-point effort on April 21. The Spurs have two first-round picks this year, so it remains to be seen which direction they'll go with here, but Essengue could be a good long-term fit.
Height: 6-9 Weight: 199 Year: Fr. Position: G
Demin entered the season as the first five-star recruit to commit to BYU and responded by averaging 10.6 points, 5.5 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals. He dazzled as a playmaker throughout the season, ranking third in the Big 12 in assists after setting the freshman program record with 180. After shooting just 27.3% from 3-point range, Demin showed improvement at the combine, connecting on 14-of-25 attempts in the 3-point star drill. His showing on Tuesday will certainly help his case among teams with concerns about his potential as a shooter.
For more coverage on the Thunder, visit Thunder Wire
Height: 6-1 Weight: 178 Year: Fr. Position: G
Richardson, the son of former 14-year veteran Jason Richardson, showed last season that he can play at either guard spot and contribute well. He flourished after moving into the starting lineup in February, averaging 16.1 points and 4.6 rebounds on 42% shooting from 3-point range over his last 15 games. The Magic currently have two first-round picks and should be a team to watch that could package one or both selections to bring in additional help. If they keep this pick, Richardson projects to fit in well.
Height: 6-11 Weight: 251 Year: Jr. Position: C
Wolf was named to the All-Big Ten second team last season, averaging 13.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.4 blocks on 49.7% shooting from the field. He ranked eighth in the country in total rebounds (360) and 15th in defensive box plus-minus (plus-5.2). The near 7-footer possesses an innate ability to lead fastbreaks and has a flashy game with the ball in his hands. The Timberwolves didn't have much playing time available for rookies this season, but Wolf would give the team some more frontcourt depth.
Height: 6-6 Weight: 202 Year: Sr.+ Position: G
Clifford took advantage of a larger role with the Rams, averaging 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.2 steals on 37.7% shooting from 3-point range. He established himself as a versatile player who can score, defend at a high level and playmake for others. He is a prospect to watch throughout the predraft process who can climb higher, given his overall skill set.
Height: 6-10 Weight: 223 Year: Fr. Position: F
Newell made a name for himself on the offensive glass throughout the season, ranking 20th in the country with his mobility and relentless pursuit down low. He is a prototypical rim-running big man with a limited offensive game outside of the paint, but he performed well in the 3-point shooting drills at the combine on Tuesday, hitting 14-of-25 in the star drill. Newell has a wide range at the moment (12-22) but could establish himself as a lottery pick with a strong predraft showing.
Height: 6-8 Weight: 214 Year: Fr. Position: F
The Big East Freshman of the Year ticks several boxes for teams, including his size, feel, physical playing style and ability to score in various ways. His ultimate draft position will likely hinge on how teams view him as a shooter after converting 31.7% from beyond the arc on 5.4 attempts per game last season. But he had a good showing at the combine in the 3-point star drill, connecting on 15-of-25 attempts on Tuesday. McNeeley could rise up draft boards with productive team workouts.
Height: 6-9 Weight: 185 Year: Fr. Position: G
Riley flourished last season at Illinois by providing a scoring punch off the bench, with his array of dribble moves, jab steps and step-backs on the perimeter. He performed well in the shooting drills at the combine on Tuesday, going 26-of-30 off the dribble and 13-of-25 in the 3-point star portions. That effort should help his draft stock after shooting 32.6% from 3-point range on 4.1 attempts per game.
Height: 6-10 Weight: 262 Year: Fr. Position: C
Sorber is about 10 weeks post-surgery from a foot injury that limited him to 24 games with the Hoyas and will prevent him from working out with teams this draft cycle. He established himself as a dominant presence in the paint with his athleticism and motor, and showed that he can space the floor some. He measured in with an absurd 7-foot, 6-inch wingspan at the combine this week, which would rank among the league leaders. Sorber initially declared for the draft while maintaining his college eligibility, but the All-Big East third-team selection told Andy Katz that he is "all-in" at this point in the process. This pick seems to be his floor at the moment.
Height: 6-11 Weight: 237 Year: N/A Position: C
Beringer, who boasts a reported 7-foot, 5-inch wingspan, is projected to be a first-round pick, given his versatility, athleticism and rim protection. He is averaging 5.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks on 62.1% shooting from the field with Cedevita Olimpija in Slovenia. The Frenchman is considered raw offensively, but has the tools to develop into a productive player at the next level with development. The Pacers have found recent success developing players, and could look to target Beringer as their next project.
Height: 6-6 Weight: 207 Year: N/A Position: SF
González has been with Real Madrid over the past three seasons, splitting time between its second team and main roster. He has played sparingly this year on a veteran-laden roster, though he has shown potential when given the opportunity to log significant minutes. The Spaniard hasn’t yet developed a consistent 3-point shot, converting 29.2% on 1.2 attempts per game, but is a good playmaker and can defend multiple positions. He'll likely spend time in the G League next season, and the Thunder have been one of the best teams in recent memory at developing players, making this a good fit. Many believe his range begins around this pick.
Height: 6-3 Weight: 199 Year: Sr.+ Position: PG
Clayton is most commonly projected to go to the Magic, given their glaring need for shooting and help at the point guard position. He established himself as a consensus first-team All-American and one of the top guards in the country, leading the Gators to their third national championship. He had a great showing at the combine on Tuesday, going 17-of-25 in the 3-point star drill and 16-of-27 in the corner. This is the second first-round pick for the Magic, and it could be used in a potential package to acquire players who can help them win now. But if Jeff Weltman & Co. opt to keep it, Clayton makes a lot of sense at this stage of the draft.
Height: 6-5 Weight: 206 Year: N/A Position: G
Ben Saraf is averaging 12.2 points, 4.3 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals on 45.3% shooting from the field in 47 games this season. He is projected to be a mid-to-late first-round pick, given his scoring ability, playmaking and court vision. He dazzles with his passing and innate ability to make pinpoint, cross-court passes off drives and in pick-and-roll situations. It is unclear how many of their first-round picks the Nets will ultimately keep, but Saraf would be a good addition to their backcourt if this is the direction they want to go.
Height: 6-9 Weight: 234 Year: Sr. Position: F
Lendeborg, born in Puerto Rico, is a prospect many are keeping an eye on after declaring for the draft while maintaining his last year of eligibility. He is a two-time AAC Defensive Player of the Year and led the country in rebounding this past season. He had a tremendous day at the combine on Tuesday, shooting 16-of-25 in the 3-point star drill and 17-of-28 from the corner. He also measured in with an absurd 7-foot, 4-inch wingspan, representing one of the largest differentials this draft class (plus-7 1/2 inches). Lendeborg is scheduled to scrimmage beginning on Wednesday and will have the opportunity to solidify his place in the first round with a strong showing. If he opts to withdraw, he'll join Michigan next season.
Height: 6-9 Weight: 232 Year: Jr. Position: F
Fleming was named to the All-Atlantic 10 first team after averaging 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 1.4 steals and 1.3 assists on 39% shooting from 3-point range. He ranked 19th in the country in defensive rebounds (227) and second in the conference in double-doubles (9). Fleming brings immense physicality to the court at 232 pounds, while providing consistent floor spacing. He boasts a 7-foot, 4 1/4-inch wingspan that will enable him to defend and protect the rim at the next level. We have him listed a bit lower than most, but that isn't a reflection of his ability or potential: He could go higher.
For more coverage on the Celtics, visit Celtics Wire
Height: 6-8 Weight: 225 Year: N/A Position: F
Penda was named the Best Young Player of the French League, averaging 10.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals on 33.7% shooting from 3-point range in 33 games with Le Mans. He is viewed as one of the top international prospects this year, given his scoring, versatility on the defensive end of the court and size at 225 pounds. He projects to be able to step in and contribute immediately, and should be a seamless fit with teams drafting in this range.
Height: 6-6 Weight: 213 Year: Sr. Position: F
Coward is another player teams are monitoring after opting to test the predraft process. He had an outstanding showing at the combine on Tuesday, converting 17-of-25 in the 3-point star drill and 14-of-23 from the corner. He also measured in with a 7-foot, 2 1/4-inch wingspan, enabling him to play the passing lanes and defend multiple positions. He seems like an early entry prospect who could opt to stay in the draft with a good showing in workouts and interviews. If he opts to withdraw, he will transfer to Duke next season.
31. Minnesota (via Utah): Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
32. Boston (via Washington): Adou Thiero, Arkansas
33. Charlotte: Maxime Raynaud, Stanford
34. Charlotte (via New Orleans): Labaron Philon, Alabama
35. Philadelphia: Drake Powell, North Carolina
36. Brooklyn: Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn
37. Detroit (via Toronto): Johni Broome, Auburn
38. San Antonio: Alex Condon, Florida
39: Toronto (via Portland): Kam Jones, Marquette
40. Washington (via Phoenix): Bogoljub Marković, Mega Basket (Serbia)
41. Golden State (via Miami): Alex Toohey, Sydney Kings (NBL)
42. Sacramento (via Chicago): Chaz Lanier, Tennessee
43. Utah (via Dallas): Milos Uzan, Houston
44. Oklahoma City (via Atlanta): Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Penn State
45. Chicago (via Sacramento): Tyrese Proctor, Duke
46. Orlando: Koby Brea, Kentucky
47. Milwaukee (via Detroit): John Tonje, Wisconsin
48. Memphis (via Golden State): Rocco Zikarsky, Brisbane Bullets (NBL)
49. Cleveland (via Milwaukee): Darrion Williams, Texas Tech
50. New York (via Memphis): Dink Pate, Mexico City Capitanes (G League)
51. LA Clippers (Minnesota): Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest
52. Phoenix (via Denver): Sion James, Duke
53. Utah (via Clippers): Vladislav Goldin, Michigan
54. Indiana: Eric Dixon, Villanova
55. Los Angeles Lakers: Mouhamed Faye, Reggio Emilia (Italy)
New York: Forfeited
56. Memphis (via Houston): Hansen Yang, Qingdao (China)
57. Orlando (via Boston): Kobe Sanders, Nevada
58. Cleveland: Izan Almansa, Perth Wildcats (NBL)
59. Houston (via Oklahoma City): Ryan Nembhard, Gonzaga