The Dallas Mavericks secured the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft lottery, selecting Cooper Flagg as their top choice shortly after trading Luka Dončić earlier that year. While this move marked the beginning of a franchise rebuild, it swiftly produced a potential superstar. However, some members of the basketball community have voiced suspicions that the Mavericks’ lottery win was not simply a product of chance but was manipulated.
NBA Insiders Express Doubts About Authenticity of Lottery Outcome
On February 17, sports journalist Pablo Torre shared inside information from NBA team owners during his appearance on the Chapo Trap House podcast. Torre recounted a conversation he had with two NBA owners the day after the draft lottery, where both expressed strong skepticism about the legitimacy of Dallas’s victory.
I’ll tell you that I remember I was at an event, and I spoke to two NBA owners. This was the day after the NBA lottery. And those two owners were both like, ‘This was obviously fixed.’ I’m not saying that it was fixed for the Mavs. I’m simply saying that it’s not just you, Will, and people on the Internet, who are saying, ‘This seems fixed to me, and I believe it to be so.’
– Pablo Torre, Sports Journalist
Following the lottery announcement, reactions on social media underscored the widespread disbelief. Among them, LeBron James posted nine laughing emojis, while Kevin Love commented, I mean, come on, man, alongside laughter. Some fans even blamed NBA Commissioner Adam Silver for undermining the league’s integrity.
The Mavericks entered the lottery with only a 1.8% chance of obtaining the first pick, the fourth-worst odds overall. Torre highlighted that skepticism was not limited to fans and players but extended to NBA ownership.
I’m saying literally two NBA owners did not trust the hand of Adam Silver to remain out of the proceedings in terms of rigging the NBA Draft Lottery.
– Pablo Torre, Sports Journalist
Cooper Flagg’s Strong Rookie Season and Team Developments
Despite the controversy surrounding the draft lottery, Cooper Flagg has demonstrated his value on the court. In his rookie year with Dallas, he is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Flagg’s performance sets up a close competition for the 2025-26 Rookie of the Year award against his former Duke University teammate Kon Knueppel.
Flagg recently suffered a left midfoot sprain confirmed by an MRI ahead of the All-Star break, causing him to miss the Rising Stars game on February 13. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the 19-year-old should return to action following the break.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks made significant roster adjustments by trading Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards before the February 5 trade deadline, while Kyrie Irving was sidelined for the remainder of the season as he recovers from a torn ACL. Irving aims to return fully healthy in the following season.
Implications for Dallas and the Upcoming Draft Season
At present, Dallas holds the 12th position in the Western Conference with a 19-35 record. The organization is prioritizing Flagg’s development as they look to improve their standing. The 2026 draft class is anticipated to be deep and talented, providing Dallas with a valuable opportunity if they secure another high pick.
The situation surrounding the 2025 draft lottery and Cooper Flagg’s promising rookie performances highlights the challenges faced by teams rebuilding through uncertain processes. The suspicions of rigging add an additional layer of complexity to the league’s efforts to maintain fairness and competitiveness in key decisions affecting franchises and fans alike.
“I'll tell you that I remember I was at an event and I spoke to two NBA owners. This was the day after the NBA lottery. And those two owners were both like, this was obviously fixed.” – @PabloTorre on Dallas winning the draft lottery
Via Chapo Trap House: https://t.co/Mskn1D21Jd pic.twitter.com/AGNHOrhwca
— Dru (@dru_star) February 18, 2026
