The Dallas Mavericks were fortunate enough to land the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, selecting Duke standout Cooper Flagg. However, they weren’t the only Dallas-based basketball team to secure a top selection this year.
The Dallas Wings also held the No. 1 overall pick and used it to select UConn star Paige Bueckers. The 23-year-old has made an immediate impact at the professional level, earning All-Star honors in her rookie campaign. Through 31 regular-season appearances, Bueckers has averaged an impressive 19.0 points, 5.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals across 33.7 minutes per game. She also set a new career high Wednesday, scoring 44 points in an 81-80 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks.
While the Wings currently sit at 9-29, the future in Dallas looks bright with Bueckers leading the way.
Jason Kidd praises Bueckers, predicts championships
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd was in attendance for the Wings’ 90-81 loss to the Golden State Valkyries on Sunday. He offered Bueckers words of encouragement, speaking from one point guard to another, according to Kevin Gray Jr. of AllDLLS.com.
“Always keep learning,” Kidd said. “I’m here watching and learning. I think we can always learn from each other. She’s one of the best in the world. She’s a rookie. She has shown she can play at a high level, and as we get better here in Dallas, we’re going to win championships.”
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, who is at today’s Wings game on having both Cooper Flagg and Paige Bueckers drafted No. 1:
“The basketball gods were great to us when you talk about two number ones with Paige and Cooper so just understanding the future is bright…” #MFFL pic.twitter.com/XzOJd9WFYH
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) August 24, 2025
MORE: Mavericks receive positive offseason evaluation with Cooper Flagg-led revamp
Although the Wings have been eliminated from playoff contention for the second consecutive season, Kidd’s comments underscore the optimism surrounding both teams.
The Mavericks added Flagg to a stacked roster featuring Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson. They’ll look to rebound in the 2025-26 campaign after missing the postseason in an injury-riddled 2024-25 season.
Only time will tell if Kidd’s championship prediction comes true for either team, but basketball fans in Dallas have plenty to look forward to.
MORE NBA NEWS:
