Once Irving returns from a torn ACL, probably two or three months into next season, a healthy Dallas starting lineup is likely to include three one-and-done Blue Devils. The Mavs got center Dereck Lively II with the 12th overall pick in 2023.

With the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks selected the 18-year-old former Duke star from Newport, Maine

Had Cooper Flagg been born 10 days later, someone else would be hearing their name called as the No. 1 overall pick in when the NBA Draft begins Wednesday night at Barclays Center