The year has been nothing short of drama. Lakers leaving early, then back to the trade in February, everything has put the NBA into a rollercoaster ride. Chaos ensued mid-season, with the Dallas Mavericks sending Luka Doncic to the Lakers. After a few minutes of confusion, distraught fans came to terms with the shocking trade. General Manager Nico Harrison was heavily criticized for trading the star player who had led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals. Now, this has turned the tables. Even though it was largely due to luck this time, the Mavericks left fans stunned again by winning the 2025 NBA Draft lottery despite having very slim chances. Surprising, but not unfamiliar. There have been a few such instances in the past.

Let’s time travel. Even last year, we saw the Atlanta Hawks, who had just a three percent chance, land the first draft pick. The franchise chose French teen Zaccharie Risacher as the top pick. Another shocking NBA Draft Lottery moment came in 2019 with the New Orleans Pelicans‘ win. With that, the team landed star player Zion Williamson. The 2x NBA champ is a generational talent. The Phoenix Suns, who had a 14 percent chance, couldn’t make it that year. 

The Knicks were expected to receive the top draft pick, but failed to do so. So, where does that leave the Pelicans? Entering the draft, the Pelicans had just a six percent chance. A generational player, the 2x NBA All-Star was expected to help the Pelicans. However, due to injuries, that is yet to happen amidst ongoing trade rumors.

A six percent chance should be much more, considering the Chicago Bulls back in 2008. They had just a 1.7 percent chance of winning the draft lottery. Yet, they ended up winning and chose Derrick Rose, and the rest is history. The franchise recently honored Rose after his retirement.

D-Rose won the NBA Rookie of the Year award the following year. The Bulls legend led the team to a 62-20 record in 2010–11. This marked the Bulls’ first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 1998. The 3x NBA All-Star was a crucial member of the Chicago Bulls and a fan favorite.

Another jaw-dropping instance was back in 1993, with the Orlando Magic acquiring Chris Webber as the first draft pick. However, the team soon traded him away to the Golden State Warriors to secure Penny Hardaway. The duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Hardaway was one of the most successful combinations in franchise history, leading the Magic to the NBA Finals in just their second season. 

The franchise had entered the NBA Draft with only a 1.5 percent chance. These are some of the shocking NBA Draft lotteries in league’s history. And the closest one this year. This was so shocking that even big names across the sports world seemingly couldn’t help but take to social media.

LeBron James reacts to buddy Davis’ Dallas Mavericks’ big win 

Fans were left baffled and surprised when it was announced that the Dallas Mavericks would be receiving the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. They had just a 1.8% chance of getting the top pick. What does this mean for the franchise? A chance for redemption, perhaps, after the team, which struggled the entire season due to injuries. Or a big move, after the franchise traded superstar Dončić to the Lakers.

LeBron James mysteriously dropped numerous laughter emojis on X. Could it be in response to the Mavericks’ win? NBA legend Dwyane Wade took to X and wrote, “But…… There have been some great players drafted with the 5th pick!” The Mavericks’ owner also commented, writing, “Unreal OMFG Let’s Go Mavs.” Tobias Harris wrote, “This goes to show why faith and always believing are so important, folks.” Even Patrick Mahomes commented to show his shock.

What makes this even more interesting is that, after Mark Aguirre in 1981, this is the first time the Mavericks have secured the first overall draft pick. With injuries mounting throughout the season, the team was eliminated from postseason contention after losing the Play-In Tournament game to the Memphis Grizzlies. 

And surely, with the projected top pick, Cooper Flagg, the team is expected to have a better chance this season. What is your take on this?