The Athletic NBA Daily
Mavs Get Cooper Flagg, Tatum Injured + Where Will Giannis Go?
May 13, 2025
Anthony Slater, an NBA reporter for The Athletic, joins the discussion on the Mavericks' thrilling draft lottery win that positions them to select Cooper Flagg. The conversation shifts to Jayson Tatum's injury, impacting the Celtics’ playoff hopes, and the potential for the Spurs to become trade players for Giannis. Slater also analyzes the Warriors' struggles against the Timberwolves, offering insights into their future prospects and the implications of key player injuries affecting playoff dynamics.
36:09
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Quick takeaways
- The Dallas Mavericks' surprising draft lottery win positions them to draft Cooper Flagg or consider trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo to enhance their competitiveness.
- Jayson Tatum's significant injury could derail the Boston Celtics' playoff ambitions and prompts a reevaluation of their future strategy for upcoming seasons.
Deep dives
Impact of the Draft Lottery Results
The Dallas Mavericks achieved an unexpected victory by winning the draft lottery despite having only a 1.8% chance. This outcome has sparked debates about the direction and future of the franchise, especially considering the tumultuous season they experienced. The prospect of selecting a highly-touted player like Cooper Flagg could offer a fresh start for the Mavericks after the troubles tied to their previous performance, including the Luka Doncic trade and early playoff exit. This lottery win might alleviate some of the anxiety among Mavericks fans who feared impending roster changes and dissatisfaction with management.
