‘NBA Is Rigged’ Claims Explode After Mavericks Win Draft Lottery
The NBA Draft Lottery once again finds itself at the center of controversy after the Dallas Mavericks secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The result has ignited a firestorm of conspiracy theories and backlash online, with fans flooding social media under the hashtag #NBAIsRigged — questioning the league’s integrity and transparency in the lottery process.
The Mavericks, who ended the 2024–25 regular season just outside the playoff bracket and controversially sat key players down the stretch, were not projected to win the top pick. Yet the lottery balls bounced in their favor, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Many have pointed to the fact that Dallas retained their pick despite league scrutiny over their late-season strategies — a move some believe was aimed at improving their lottery odds.
Critics were quick to note the narrative appeal: Dallas, already boasting superstars Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, now has the chance to add another potential franchise-changing talent. For skeptics, it’s too perfect — fueling suspicions that the league orchestrates outcomes to favor larger-market teams or storyline-rich franchises.
“Somehow the team that tanked and got away with it ends up with the No. 1 pick? Come on. #NBAIsRigged,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter), echoing thousands of similar sentiments.
The NBA, which has faced similar accusations in past lotteries — most notably the frozen envelope theory tied to the 1985 Knicks selection of Patrick Ewing — continues to deny any wrongdoing. The league maintains that the lottery is conducted with independent oversight and complete transparency.
Nonetheless, this year’s outcome has reenergized long-standing doubts. Even some former players have chimed in, suggesting that the league’s business interests often seem aligned with “fortunate” draft results.
While the Mavericks and their fans celebrate a major offseason victory, others around the NBA are calling for more visibility into the lottery process — or even a structural overhaul.
For now, the Mavericks’ good fortune is the league’s PR problem. Whether the conspiracy theories hold any weight or are simply the product of passionate fandom and frustration remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the NBA’s draft lottery drama remains as unpredictable — and polarizing — as ever.
