Raptors slip to 9th in NBA draft lottery; Mavericks win top pick with 1.8 per cent odds
The Toronto Raptors have landed the ninth overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, moving down two spots from their original seventh-place ranking based on their regular season performance in 2024-25. Despite having a 31.9 per cent chance at a top-four pick and a 7.5 per cent chance at the top overall selection, the Raptors will have to make the most of their ninth pick.
This will mark the fourth time in franchise history that the Raptors have held the ninth pick. In the past, they have used this selection to choose notable players such as Tracy McGrady in 1997, DeMar DeRozan in 2009, and Jakob Poeltl in 2016. With a history of success with this pick, Raptors fans are hopeful for another impactful player to join the team.
On the other hand, the Dallas Mavericks have secured the first overall pick in the draft, moving up 10 spots from their original 11th-place ranking. Despite only having a 1.8 per cent chance of landing the top pick, the Mavericks have beaten the odds and will have the first choice in the draft.
The San Antonio Spurs, coming off back-to-back rookie of the year performances by Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, will pick second overall. The Philadelphia 76ers will follow with the third pick, and the Charlotte Hornets will round out the top four selections.
Duke forward Cooper Flagg is considered the top prospect in this year’s draft class, and he is expected to be selected first overall by the Mavericks. Flagg had an impressive college season, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while leading Duke to the Final Four. He was also named The Associated Press’ national player of the year.
In addition to Flagg, his Duke teammate Khaman Maluach is projected to be the ninth overall pick in the draft. Both players have shown their potential against NBA competition, with Flagg impressing during a scrimmage against the U.S. Olympic team last summer.
As the NBA Draft approaches, teams like the Raptors will be preparing to make crucial decisions that could shape the future of their franchises. With talented prospects like Flagg and Maluach available, fans can expect an exciting draft night with plenty of surprises and potential game-changers.
