CHICAGO — The Dallas Mavericks, holding just a 1.8% probability, emerged as the winners of the NBA draft lottery on Monday night. This unexpected win grants them the opportunity to select the highly-touted projected number one pick, Cooper Flagg, in the upcoming draft.
Following the Mavericks, the San Antonio Spurs secured the second pick, the Philadelphia 76ers the third, and the Charlotte Hornets the fourth.
With the complete draft order for the lottery teams now finalized, these 14 franchises are shifting their focus towards the 2025 NBA Draft, scheduled for June 25 and 26 in New York.
A major point of interest for NBA fans is the current state of these lottery teams. For instance, will securing the top pick influence the Mavericks` decisions regarding their existing roster and star players?
ESPN NBA experts delve into these questions and provide comprehensive insights for each lottery team as the draft approaches in roughly six weeks.
No. 1: Dallas Mavericks
Given general manager Nico Harrison`s history, the Mavericks` roster could undergo changes between the end of the 2024-25 season and October. How will their first-round pick impact their future strategy?
The Mavericks didn`t have to wait long to add a potential cornerstone. Just months after trading Luka Doncic, Dallas moved up in the lottery for the first time in franchise history, capitalizing on their slim 1.8% chance to land the No. 1 selection. The widely held belief is that the Mavericks will draft Duke`s Cooper Flagg, considered a generational talent. Harrison emphasizes defense as key to winning championships, and the 6-foot-9 Flagg certainly fits that mold.
No. 2: San Antonio Spurs
With two lottery picks (No. 2 and No. 14), are the Spurs likely to target a wing player at No. 2 to stabilize their young roster and improve floor spacing around their core players?
Absolutely. San Antonio`s front office has traditionally focused on versatile players during its rebuild. However, with a developing core of Victor Wembanyama, De`Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle, they are likely to adopt a more focused approach to acquire players who complement their existing talent. The Spurs enter the draft with three primary needs: center depth, additional shooting, and a reserve combo guard. While some might speculate about trading the second pick for a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo, his age (30) and lack of the needed supplemental shooting make this unlikely for San Antonio`s current timeline.
No. 3: Philadelphia 76ers
With a top-three pick and player options for Andre Drummond, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Eric Gordon influencing their future flexibility, how critical is it for the Sixers to make the right pick here?
The lottery outcome significantly impacts the 76ers` offseason plans. With a large portion of their salary tied to Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid, their options were limited if they hadn`t retained their first-rounder (which would have gone to Oklahoma City if it fell outside the top six). By keeping the pick, Philadelphia gains valuable options to strengthen a roster that already possesses significant talent. President Daryl Morey might even explore trading down for more draft assets or taking a chance if a potential All-NBA player becomes available via trade. Philadelphia now possesses four tradeable first-round picks, including the third pick and an unprotected 2029 first-rounder from the LA Clippers. However, Morey has stated that the priority is integrating young talent with the current roster, aiming for a younger, more dynamic team around a healthy Embiid, Maxey, and George.
No. 4: Charlotte Hornets
What type of player would best complement the Hornets` core of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams?
For a team that won only 19 games and hasn`t made the postseason since 2016, drafting for “best fit” takes a backseat to drafting the “best available” player, despite having core pieces like Ball, Miller, Bridges, Williams, and last year`s lottery pick, Tidjane Salaun. Injuries significantly limited the time Ball, Miller, Bridges, and Williams spent on the court together this season. The Hornets were notably poor perimeter shooters last season, ranking last in effective field goal percentage. At this spot, Charlotte will likely be evaluating a group of guards including prospects like VJ Edgecombe, Jeremiah Fears, Tre Johnson, and Ace Bailey.
No. 5: Utah Jazz
With the potential for over $70 million in salary-cap space by 2026, the Jazz could be aggressive in the future. What are the expectations for Utah`s roster reconstruction and additions?
The Jazz landed the fifth overall pick, which was their most likely scenario and the worst-case outcome after finishing with the league`s worst record. They will likely have similar odds in next year`s lottery. Utah`s plan involves a patient rebuild. It appears the Jazz will need to wait at least one more year to acquire the type of franchise cornerstone talent they desperately need.
No. 6: Washington Wizards
For the second consecutive year, Washington holds a top-six pick and an additional first-rounder in the teens (No. 18). What is the potential ceiling for the Wizards?
The final two months of last season provide a positive template for Washington`s outlook in 2025-26. Unlike many lottery teams aiming for better odds, the Wizards improved post-All-Star break, finishing 9-19 and matching their pre-break win total in fewer games. This modest success reflects the progress of Washington`s 2024 first-round picks (Coulibaly, Davis) and the integration of draft assets acquired in trades (including No. 18 from Memphis). Adding another pair of first-round rookies to last year`s group means a very young rotation. Competing for the postseason might not be realistic yet, but taking a step toward competitiveness will give fans more optimism than they`ve had since 2017-18.
No. 7: New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are picking in the top seven for the first time since selecting Zion Williamson first overall in 2019. How much does their future hinge on this pick?
Slipping from No. 4 to No. 7 is a disappointing result for New Orleans, especially after an injury-impacted season. However, the Pelicans are still positioned to add an impact player at No. 7 to a roster that includes Williamson, Dejounte Murray, Herbert Jones, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and last year`s first-rounder, Yves Missi. The ongoing question revolves around Williamson`s future and whether the new front office, led by Joe Dumars, can successfully build the team around him. Williamson has played in only 46% of regular-season games since entering the league and has yet to appear in the playoffs.
No. 8: Brooklyn Nets
The Nets possess four first-round picks in 2025, the most cap space in the league, and significant future draft capital. What strategy should they adopt this offseason?
Brooklyn experienced bad luck in the lottery, falling to No. 8. However, they remain a team to watch with the flexibility to accelerate their timeline or continue a patient approach. The patient route seems logical: the 2025 free agent class isn`t star-studded, the 2026 draft appears promising at the top, and the Nets owe swap rights on their 2027 first-round pick to Houston. This favors focusing on drafting and internal development, aiming to compete more seriously a year from now. A star becoming available via trade could alter this plan, but acquiring a high-cost player would require a strong conviction given the current roster`s limitations. Staying the course before shifting gears next summer appears to be the most straightforward path.
No. 9: Toronto Raptors
The Raptors will add a lottery pick to a young group including last year`s rookie class and veteran Brandon Ingram. What steps are needed for Toronto to return to playoff contention?
Toronto has accumulated young talent around Scottie Barnes, but questions remain about their long-term fit, particularly with Brandon Ingram joining players like RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Gradey Dick. Many of these players are inclined to score, suggesting a need for more players who facilitate and connect the offense. While the ninth pick won`t solve all their issues, finding frontcourt depth, strengthening defense, and achieving offensive balance with Ingram are key considerations. Prospects who can play power forward, such as Collin Murray-Boyles and Derik Queen, are likely to be closely evaluated given the current roster`s composition.
No. 10: Houston Rockets (via Phoenix Suns)
What are the Rockets` offseason plans, and is finding a big man to complement Alperen Sengun a priority?
The Rockets see continuity with their young core as a viable option but are also open to pursuing a proven superstar trade if the opportunity arises. General manager Rafael Stone has indicated a “high bar” must be met for any deal that significantly alters the core group. Decision-makers would need strong confidence that a trade elevates them to legitimate contender status before sacrificing core players and their deep pool of draft assets. Rising star Amen Thompson is considered off-limits in trade discussions. Regarding center depth, the Rockets are interested in addressing the need for a player who can support Alperen Sengun.
No. 11: Portland Trail Blazers
A key offseason issue for Portland is that four veterans—Anfernee Simons, Matisse Thybulle, Robert Williams III, and Deandre Ayton—are entering the final year of their contracts. How will this draft pick factor into the Blazers` roster construction?
The positive development from the Blazers` strong finish to the 2024-25 season is that they aren`t forced to draft for immediate need at pick No. 11. Portland has a promising young forward pairing in Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara, developing guards in Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, and a potential future center in Donovan Clingan. This group of young talent provides the flexibility to trade some or all of their veterans this offseason. Forward Jerami Grant is also a likely trade candidate. Portland might prefer to wait until the trade deadline to move players on expiring contracts, as they could have more value to contenders then, and players like Williams can demonstrate their health. By the deadline, the Blazers will also have a better sense of whether their young guards can effectively take over roles from Simons.
No. 12: Chicago Bulls
The Bulls ranked low defensively (23rd in efficiency, last in points allowed in the paint). Are they prioritizing drafting for need or best available talent? Did the front office`s focus on a play-in spot instead of lottery odds pay off?
When the Bulls traded Zach LaVine before the trade deadline, they had a 26% chance at a top-four pick, offering an opportunity to acquire potential franchise-altering talent needed to elevate a team that has lost in the play-in tournament three straight times. Instead, management prioritized providing experience to their existing young players. Chicago finished 15-6 after the LaVine trade but were eliminated in a home play-in game, while their odds plummeted to 1.7% for the top pick and 8% for a top-four selection. Having finished with an identical 39-43 record in the past two seasons, the Bulls urgently need to find a way to add superstar talent to move beyond being a middle-of-the-pack team.
No. 13: Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento Kings)
Atlanta has positioned itself with a younger roster and increased financial flexibility. How does Trae Young fit into the team`s future plans?
Over the past seven seasons, Atlanta has tried various approaches to build a roster around Trae Young, whose scoring and playmaking dictate the team`s style, with mixed results. The Hawks are still seeking a new head of basketball operations and deciding on Young`s future, as he is eligible for an extension, as is Dyson Daniels. As Atlanta defines its future vision, the significant financial commitment required for Young must be considered in relation to flexibility. If the Hawks decide a different direction is necessary, this period, before Young becomes more expensive and harder to trade, is likely the window to move him. However, Young`s trade market hasn`t been particularly strong recently, and the Hawks` willingness to trade him may depend on their perceived trade value for him. The emergence of Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, and Daniels provides Atlanta with more roster stability should they decide to trade their star guard.
No. 14: San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta Hawks)
Although Victor Wembanyama is a unique talent, the Spurs need someone who can protect the rim when he is not on the court. What are their options?
San Antonio traded backup center Zach Collins in February. On the same day, their new primary reserve center, Charles Bassey, suffered a knee injury, sidelining him for 31 of the final 35 games. Bassey`s history includes two previous knee injuries, and he has not played more than 36 games in any of his four NBA seasons. Given Bassey`s injury history and upcoming free agency, the Spurs must prioritize depth behind Wembanyama. However, San Antonio is unlikely to force a draft pick for this need if a suitable player isn`t available. It is more probable they will seek a proven reserve center in free agency, where options are more plentiful and ready to contribute immediately. The Spurs need immediate help at this position, not a development project.
