Mavericks' disaster season ends with draft lottery win

The Mavericks had only a 1.8% chance to get the No. 1 pick in the draft lottery, the 11th-worst odds among the 14 lottery teams. Since the ping pong balls went in their favor, they have a chance at Duke freshman Cooper Flagg, expected to be the top overall pick.

It's the second time in three years that a disastrous end of the season has ended up favorably for the Mavericks. Late in the 2022-23 season, the Mavericks benched players at the end of the season to avoid the play-in tournament and losing their top 10-protected pick to the New York Knicks. They kept the pick, and their selection, center Dereck Lively II, helped the team reach the NBA Finals.

This year, after going 9-17 after the All-Star break, the Mavericks have the chance to add another Duke phenom. Flagg is considered a can't-miss prospect who has a chance to immediately right the ship for a Mavericks franchise that was reeling thanks to the loss of Doncic and injuries along the whole roster.

It's an especially lucky draw for the Mavericks because they don't control their own first-round pick from 2027-30. That will make it difficult to add young talent around Flagg, but it's certainly better than trying to build a contender without a stud prospect.

The Mavericks will likely be without All-Star Kyrie Irving for most of next season due to injury, but now, they'll have help for center Anthony Davis. And Harrison might just win back the goodwill of his fan base.