22 years since LeBron James’s debut. The NBA is finding itself stuck in a whirlwind of conspiracy theories. The root? Dallas won the 2025 Draft Lottery. This comes after Nico Harrison traded Luka Doncic to the Lakers in February. But most importantly, this new turn of events allows the franchise to pick Duke’s Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick. This brings out something James said a while ago, but back then his agent Rich Paul seems to believe otherwise.

Whispers of the NBA favoring Dallas erupted fast. Fans cried for payback for the Luka trade. Then LeBron’s cryptic post dropped, reviving his old jab at the 2003 lottery’s fairness. “During the lottery drop, Cleveland got the No. 1 pick,” James said on the Pat McAfee Show on March 26. “I just don’t think that was – what a coincidence. Let’s keep LeBron home. You know what? Patrick Ewing to the Knicks. Derrick Rose to the Bulls. I understand the assignment, guys.”

Now, appearing on Pat’s show, Rich Paul faced questions about whether some fans find the Mavericks landing the top pick a little too convenient. Could this all be payback for Nico handing over Luka to balance the NBA’s power game? Thus, LeBron’s agent responded: “I don’t believe any of that. I think they had a 1.8% chance. It’s happened several times before. I know people may think that and the conspiracy theories, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.” 

Dallas just pulled off one of the biggest lottery stunners in NBA history. With only a 1.8 percent chance, they still secured the top pick. Previously, in 1993, the Magic did the same with just 1.52 percent. Then in 2014, the Cavaliers followed with a 1.7 percent chance. After that, the Bulls joined the club in 2008, also at 1.8 percent. Now, the Mavericks add their name to this unlikely list of lottery luck.

Meanwhile, Flagg lit up his freshman season with 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. On defense, he was a nightmare, grabbing 1.4 steals and swatting 1.4 blocks each night. Moreover, his versatility was unmatched. His basketball IQ? Off the charts. As a result, he claimed national player of the year honors. And now, he stands tall as the most undeniable number 1 pick in recent memory.

But before the NBA Draft kicks off in June, the Dallas Mavericks must know and understand their needs, and Cooper’s needs are on the same page. Rich Paul gave his views on the same, and it’s quite an interesting take.

Rich Paul clarifies the expectations of Cooper Flagg to Nico Harrison & Co.

Everyone is already calling Cooper Flagg the sure number 1 pick. But could the Mavericks flip that golden ticket for a superstar instead? Paul firmly believes, “No, I think there’ll be no trade. I think the Mavs take him, and I think it’s the right thing for the kid.” He added, “There have been some teams that would have loved to have him. But I think when you look at Cooper Flagg, look at where he’s at today, his ability to develop next to guys like AD and Lively, and also playing with Kyrie once he’s back, I think it helps him.”

Meanwhile, Rich Paul shows the reality of matters for the No.1 Draft picks. He said, “Oftentimes, guys go number one, and we put so much expectation on these young players, and that’s not really realistic. This allows him to develop on a real timeline. He gets to play through mistakes without all the pressure being on him to throw the ball and expect him to get 25-30 points a game. That’s not realistic, especially equating it to wins.”

Simply put, expecting a number 1 pick to become a superstar overnight is unfair. Flagg gets the gift of time in Dallas. He can grow, make mistakes, and find his rhythm. Not every star needs to shine from day one. Sometimes, becoming the guy matters more than being the guy right away. “I think this would be a great environment for him. Not saying that if he went to Utah or San Antonio it wouldn’t, and I know you think number one, you think the guy right away, but it’s okay to develop into the guy. There’s nothing wrong with developing into the guy. I think this will be a good fit for him,” Paul noted.

Thus, the Mavericks’ lottery luck has sparked more than just speculation. Dallas has a unique opportunity with Cooper Flagg, one that could shape the future of the franchise. Despite the noise, this pick isn’t about instant stardom but about long-term development, as Rich Paul explained. The real story? Time will tell if Flagg is the next big thing or just the right fit for Dallas’ growth.