Image Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Was the NBA Draft Lottery Rigged for Dallas Mavericks? Explaining Everything Amid ‘Rigged’ Claims on Social Media

The Mavericks won the NBA Draft Lottery 2025 despite having only 1.8% chances.

Image Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks, who found themselves amid multiple conversations in the recent past season, once again made headlines. Having finished the 2024-25 regular season in tenth spot, the Mavericks won the NBA Draf t Lottery 2025, and now have the first overall pick in the forthcoming drafts. What makes it odd? The Mavs entered the lottery with only 1.8% chances to win.

Needless to say, this shocked the NBA world, with several fans, players and even pundits questioning the fairness in the system. This was the second straight season where a team with extremely low odds of landing the first pick ended up on the top. Last year, the Atlanta Hawks had 3% chances of winning the lottery, and they secured the first overall pick, drafting Zaccharie Risacher to their roster.

1.8% chance. #MFFL pic.twitter.com/QHqjP4DlR9
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) May 13, 2025

Social Media Claims and Past Records Indicate Towards Draft Lottery Being Rigged

There have been numerous reactions from fans on social media claiming that the NBA Draft Lottery 2025 was rigged. In fact, in the past, comments from several players, including LeBron James, hinted that the draft lottery has always been rigged. If we look at the Dallas Mavericks’ scenario, the franchise traded their superstar Luka Doncic in the middle of the season to sign Anthony Davis from the LA Lakers.

Also Read: Most Valuable NBA Teams – Which NBA Teams Are Worth the Most in 2025?

There have been widespread rumors that the Mavericks deliberately pulled off the trade that no one saw coming. The reason? So that they could land the first overall pick. Moreover, a pattern has been discovered, where the team that has traded its most prominent player has received the first overall pick.

It happened in the case of Chris Paul’s trade, when he was sent from the New Orleans Pelicans to the LA Clippers in 2011. The Pelicans then ended up receiving the first overall pick in the 2012 season. Similarly, in 2019, following Anthony Davis’ trade to the LA Lakers, the Charlotte Hornets received the first pick.

Several commentators, analysts, and even players reacted to the Mavericks winning the first pick, seemingly implying that the system is indeed rigid.

Could Draft Lottery Really Be Rigged? Veteran NBA Writer Believes Otherwise

While claims would make one believe that the NBA Draft Lottery is rigged, the league undertakes some measures that maintain fairness in the entire process. It is to be noted that the actual lottery takes place in a separate room before the actual order is announced. While a few believe that no one other than the NBA officials are present during the lottery, the reality is quite opposite.

Apart from a few officials, a few veteran journalists as well as members of the participating teams are also present. In addition, the league also hires a third-party auditor for the lottery. This is all done to ensure that no unfair practices are being followed throughout the process.

It just isn’t. I just watched the draw with my own eyes! Unlucky things happen. https://t.co/v2dcDUxpz4
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) May 12, 2025

Moreover, the league announces the names of these journalists from various publications, who would witness the process live. In fact, veteran writer Andy Larsen, who writes for the Utah Jazz for the Salt Lake Tribune has confirmed the legitimacy of the Draft Lottery.

Also Read: How Many Cities With an NBA and WNBA Team Have Won the Draft Lottery in the Same Year?

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Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.