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In just a few months, Dallas basketball fans have seen the Mavericks and Wings win their respective draft lotteries.
The Wings used their No. 1 overall selection to take UConn star Paige Bueckers. The Mavericks will likely select Duke standout Cooper Flagg with their No. 1 overall selection. Keeping these new and exciting developments in mind, how many times has one city held the top picks in both the WNBA and NBA drafts?
A look through the league archives reveals that the scenario has only happened once in the past. Cleveland held the distinction back in 2003.
Related:Dallas Mavericks win 2025 NBA draft lottery, have shot to take Cooper Flagg at No. 1
The Cavaliers notably selected can’t-miss high school superstar LeBron James with their No. 1 pick, while the Rockers drafted Mississippi State forward LaToya Thomas.
Everyone knows how things went for the Cavaliers, as James quickly became one of the NBA’s best players. He spent two stints with the team, earning multiple NBA All-Star selections and leading the Cavs to their first championship in franchise history during the 2015-16 season.
Things weren’t as stellar for the Rockers. Thomas only spent one season in Cleveland, averaging 10.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists as a rookie. While the team went 17-17 and earned a playoff berth during the 2003 season, the Rockers folded in December of that year.
Thomas was then placed in a dispersal draft in January 2004, being selected third by the San Antonio Silver Stars. Thomas spent six seasons in the WNBA and played for five teams.
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