Mavericks Win 2025 NBA Draft Lottery Amid Debate Over Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey Top Pick

The Dallas Mavericks defied long odds to secure the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, widely expected to be used on Duke's Cooper Flagg, a generational prospect who led the Blue Devils to the Final Four and earned National Player of the Year honors. Despite Flagg's consensus status as the top pick due to his versatile skill set and statistical dominance, former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins has stirred controversy by advocating for Rutgers' Ace Bailey as the true No. 1, likening him to Tracy McGrady for his size and scoring ability. Cousins' stance has been met with significant backlash from fans and analysts, who overwhelmingly support Flagg as the draft's top prospect. Bailey, while talented, averaged slightly less production than Flagg and was even outshone by teammate Dylan Harper during the season. Cousins also suggested Mavericks GM Nico Harrison should consider trading the top pick for a win-now move, given the team's recent rebuild after trading Luka Doncic. Regardless, the Mavericks are expected to make their selection on June 25, with Flagg remaining the strong favorite.