CHICAGO โ Rick Welts, who held an instrumental role in orchestrating the inaugural NBA draft lottery 40 years ago, remains an unremitting advocate vouching for its integrity ever since. As rumors persist, suggesting the infamous 1985 lottery was rigged to deliver Patrick Ewing to the New York Knicks, Welts consistently dispels these accusations, emphasizing the rigorous protocols such as verified witnesses, accountants, and comprehensive event recordings instituted to preserve fairness. Such measures underscore the credibility of the 2025 lottery as well, a proceeding poised to significantly impact the Dallas Mavericksโ future.
โThe fun starts now,โ declared Rick Welts, the Mavericksโ CEO, following the exhilarating moment when the Mavs clinched this yearโs lottery. This triumph affords them the esteemed opportunity to select Dukeโs standout player, Cooper Flagg, as the number one overall pick in the upcoming month.
This moment of victory represents a renewal of excitement for the Mavericks, whose past fervor had waned. Just last year, the team, led by Luka Doncic, was enthralling fans on their journey to the NBA Finals, illustrating that Dallas was no longer solely characterized as a football town. The dazzling plays of Kyrie Irving contributed to a palpable sense of enthusiasm surrounding the team.
Yet, the subsequent year unraveled a host of challenges. An unexpected trade with the Los Angeles Lakers shocked the league as the Mavericks exchanged Doncic for Anthony Davis, pairing Doncic with LeBron James in Los Angeles. This controversial decision led to widespread outcry, with fans calling for General Manager Nico Harrisonโs removal, chanting, โFire Nico,โ repeatedly. To complicate matters, Irving suffered a severe ACL injury just a month post-trade, leading to a relinquishment of playoff aspirations as the Mavericks only managed to secure a play-in spot.
โHonestly, there hasnโt been a lot of fun around the Mavericks for the past three months,โ Welts admitted candidly. The struggles weighed heavily on team governor Patrick Dumont, Nico Harrison, coach Jason Kidd, and the entire staff. Thus, the favorable lottery outcome revitalized the franchise. โItโs unbelievable,โ Welts mused.
During the lottery, Dumont, who faced scrutiny for his role in the Doncic trade, was not glued to the live broadcast. Instead, he relied on updates through excited, albeit loud, phone communications with former governor Mark Cuban. Dumont recollected the conversation becoming indistinguishable amid Cubanโs jubilant shouting as news of the Mavericksโ success circulated.
โListen, everyone, including Patrick, has endured so much over the past three months,โ Welts reiterated. โThis achievement acts as a breath of fresh air, rejuvenating the franchise and granting us a new beginning.โ
Welts, maintaining an optimistic outlook leading up to the lottery, repeatedly conveyed confidence about securing a favorable outcome. Although his certainty was based more on hope than insight, the need to respond to numerous congratulatory messages afterward presented a welcomed challenge.
The monumental win of 2025 holds special significance for Welts, bringing forth cherished memories differing from the storied 1985 lottery. Proclaiming, โI have a lot of stories about that one,โ Welts is quick to affirm that the 2025 lottery will be emblazoned prominently in his memory.