Garnett says Dallas Mavericks don’t need Cooper Flagg, calls out NBA for failing teams with broken draft system

In a surprising twist, the Dallas Mavericks snagged the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft with just a 1.8% chance, sparking discussions throughout the basketball world. NBA great Kevin Garnett didn't mince words, calling the result 'totally bogus' and raising concerns about the draft lottery's fairness. With the Mavericks targeting standout Cooper Flagg, Garnett proposes they could be wiser to trade the pick for a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo.The Dallas Mavericks' unexpected rise to the top of the draft order has turned heads, particularly in light of their recent games and roster changes. Just months after trading Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, they now have the chance to pick Duke's Cooper Flagg. However, Garnett feels this opportunity should be handled differently.On his podcast with Paul Pierce, Garnett voiced his concerns about the lottery's fairness, arguing that teams like the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards, who had dismal seasons with just 19 and 18 wins, deserved the first pick over Dallas. He said, "The bad teams in the league need the players that are coming out of college or high school. Those are the teams that need the draft."Garnett suggested that the Mavericks should think about swapping their top pick for an experienced star, specifically naming Giannis Antetokounmpo. He feels that landing a talent like Giannis could boost Dallas into championship talks, while Flagg, despite his potential, is still untested in the professional arena. "Wait till y’all see the Greek. Don’t worry about it. Wait till the Greek get here," Garnett remarked, highlighting his confidence in Giannis's impact.The buzz around the Mavericks' lottery win isn't new. In the past, teams with low chances have snagged top picks, sparking conspiracy theories about the draft's fairness. The situation in 2025 just adds fuel to the fire, especially with Dallas's recent trades and the league's push for a level playing field.Also Read: Knicks fans chanted “F*** Boston” and surrounded the Celtics bus after massive game 6 blowoutKevin Garnett's honest comments really highlight the ongoing discussions about how fair the NBA draft lottery is and how it affects teams trying to rebuild. As the Mavericks think about their next steps, whether to keep Cooper Flagg or go for a big name like Giannis Antetokounmpo could really change their path. This whole scenario shows just how tricky team management can be and how league rules impact fairness in competition.