The Dallas Mavericks could be on the verge of making NBA history. With their recent roster moves and growing speculation around future acquisitions, the franchise is positioning itself to become the first team since the legendary 1989 Los Angeles Lakers to feature three No. 1 overall picks as regular starters. That rare accomplishment, which would place the Mavericks in a unique historical category, underscores not only the talent they’ve attracted but also the evolution of team-building strategies in the modern NBA.
Back in 1989, the Lakers achieved this feat with Magic Johnson (1979), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1969), and Mychal Thompson (1978) — three top overall picks who played integral roles during one of the NBA’s most dominant dynasties. Fast forward over three decades, and Dallas could soon mirror that remarkable lineup with a potential starting trio consisting of Kyrie Irving, Andrew Wiggins, and Deandre Ayton — all former No. 1 picks. While this outcome isn’t official yet, the mere possibility has already set off waves across the league, highlighting the Mavericks’ ambition and their intent to forge a new era of excellence in a fiercely competitive Western Conference.
Kyrie Irving, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, is already one of the most gifted and polarizing guards in league history. His arrival in Dallas in 2023 came with both excitement and caution, as his off-court narrative often competed with his undeniable on-court brilliance. But since joining the Mavericks, Irving has steadily found his rhythm alongside franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić, offering Dallas a lethal backcourt combination that has overwhelmed opposing defenses. Irving’s experience, ball-handling wizardry, and scoring versatility have proven invaluable, especially during high-pressure playoff moments. His leadership and championship pedigree, stemming from his title run with LeBron James in Cleveland in 2016, have added a layer of gravitas to the Mavericks’ young and hungry roster.
Now, imagine adding two more No. 1 picks into the mix. The Mavericks have reportedly been exploring options to acquire both Andrew Wiggins, selected first overall in 2014, and Deandre Ayton, the top pick from the 2018 NBA Draft. While these discussions remain in the realm of rumors for now, sources close to the organization suggest that Dallas is actively examining trade scenarios and free-agent opportunities that would make such acquisitions feasible. If successful, the Mavericks would boast a starting unit that not only features three top overall draft picks but also presents an array of complementary skills that could push them into title contention.
Andrew Wiggins, currently with the Golden State Warriors, has experienced one of the most compelling career arcs in recent memory. Once dubbed “Maple Jordan” for his jaw-dropping athleticism and immense potential, Wiggins’ early years in Minnesota were a mix of flashes of brilliance and long stretches of inconsistency. However, his trade to Golden State in 2020 revitalized his career. Under the guidance of Steve Kerr and in the structured environment of the Warriors’ system, Wiggins flourished into an elite two-way player. His breakout performance during the 2022 NBA Finals was a turning point, as he emerged as a lockdown defender and a reliable secondary scorer behind Stephen Curry. A potential move to Dallas would reunite him with Western Conference competition, but this time as a vital cog in a Mavericks machine built to contend.
Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton’s path has also been a roller coaster of expectations and transitions. Selected first overall in a stacked 2018 draft class that included Luka Dončić, Trae Young, and Jaren Jackson Jr., Ayton entered the league as a physically dominant center with tremendous upside. His early tenure with the Phoenix Suns saw gradual growth, culminating in a Finals appearance in 2021, where his interior presence was essential to the Suns’ deep postseason run. But chemistry issues, coaching clashes, and questions about his motor and consistency have clouded his trajectory. A change of scenery may be just what Ayton needs, and Dallas could offer a fresh start where he’s no longer under the immense pressure of being “the guy.” Surrounded by star guards and a coach who values structure and defined roles, Ayton could return to the impactful, rim-running force he once promised to be.
The allure of forming a lineup with Irving, Wiggins, and Ayton — all former No. 1 picks — lies not only in the novelty of the achievement but also in the basketball fit. Irving provides elite playmaking and shot creation. Wiggins offers wing defense, transition scoring, and mid-range versatility. Ayton supplies size, rebounding, and rim protection. With Dončić already anchoring the team as a top-five player in the league, such additions would dramatically alter the Mavericks’ championship calculus. A starting five of Dončić, Irving, Wiggins, Ayton, and a stretch-four or 3-and-D wing could challenge any team in the league on any given night.
Of course, assembling that kind of roster comes with challenges. Salaries, egos, roles, and injury histories all factor into the equation. There’s no guarantee that combining three former No. 1 picks results in a championship — as history has shown, success in the NBA is often less about star power and more about cohesion, health, and timing. But what separates Dallas in this moment is the clarity of vision. They understand the window of opportunity they have with Luka Dončić in his prime, and they are willing to take calculated risks to maximize that window.
The 1989 Lakers were a different kind of beast — a team that had sustained greatness for a decade and was seeking to extend its dynasty by relying on some of the most iconic names in basketball history. Magic was the ultimate floor general. Kareem was the ageless wonder, and Mychal Thompson provided frontcourt depth and veteran savvy. Their legacy is secure, but what Dallas is attempting represents a more modern blueprint — one shaped by free agency, trades, and the ever-shifting nature of player empowerment. That they could pull off a similar feat, even in a vastly different NBA landscape, is a testament to how far front office ingenuity has come.
Should the Mavericks succeed, it would also be a full-circle moment of sorts. Dončić, widely considered the best player in his draft class but passed over by multiple teams, would be surrounded by players who were once considered the absolute best in their respective years. That dynamic — Dončić the overlooked genius, joined by three former kings of the draft — adds a poetic layer to the potential storyline. It’s a reminder that the NBA journey isn’t linear. Some stars take time to bloom, others need the right situation, and still others simply need a second or third chance to remind the world of their value.
As the 2025 offseason progresses, all eyes will remain on Dallas. Will they strike the deals needed to bring this vision to life? Will rival teams counter with their own super-team constructions? And if the Mavericks do manage to start three No. 1 overall picks alongside Dončić, how far can they go?
Whether this ends up as a historic accomplishment or just a tantalizing “what if” moment, the Mavericks have already done something important — they’ve signaled to the league and to their fans that they’re not settling for mediocrity. They’re swinging big. In a league where legacy is defined by bold moves and championship banners, Dallas is clearly all in.
And if history is any guide, teams that dare to dream this big often find themselves in the middle of something special.
