NBA intel and fit: The Pistons breaking through and making the playoffs conveyed this pick to the Timberwolves, who have a nice opportunity to add talent after having traded away most of their draft capital since Tim Connelly took over as president. Wolf would give them a versatile frontcourt player capable of contributing sooner than later.

Dallas won the top pick and right to select a franchise-changing talent, while San Antonio and Philadelphia jumped up to round out the top three.

Dallas Mavericks' Rolando Blackman, left, and NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, right, pose for photos after Tatum announced that the Mavericks had won the first pick in the NBA basketball draft lottery in Chicago, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)