The Dallas Mavericks lucked out, landing the No.1 overall pick, giving them a chance to select Duke phenom Cooper Flagg, a player widely regarded as a generational talent. The top-pick player is seen as a significant turning point for a franchise that endured a turbulent couple of months following an NBA Finals run just a season ago.

When the Dallas Mavericks miraculously won the NBA draft lottery last week, it was assumed immediately that they would draft Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick. Whichever team won the draft would be expected to select the Duke standout.

After becoming the laughingstock of the NBA late in the season for unexpectedly trading away Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks have now emerged as a serious long-term threat across the league—thanks to landing the No.