Interesting, Richard Jefferson says the NBA likes "manipulated" conspiracy theories

Former NBA player and current ESPN commentator Richard Jefferson made quite bold remarks about the league's position on conspiracy theories.

NBA fans have claimed that there is manipulation in the league since the Dallas Mavericks won the No. 1 pick as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

In this case, the conspiracy theories surrounding the Mavericks date back to February, when the Dallas Mavericks shockedly traded superstar Luca Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round draft pick. It is widely believed that the deal was disappointing for Doncic, one of the best players in the league’s peak, and sparked other conspiracy theories, including the Mavericks’ trade in Doncic to undermine the goodwill of Dallas fans in an attempt to facilitate the team’s move to Las Vegas.

However, when the Mavericks topped the draft with the fourth place among the 14 teams, conspiracy theories changed drastically and the number increased. Now, some accused the NBA of not only forcing the Mavericks to trade Doncic in February, but also giving the No. 1 pick – almost certainly Cooper Flag – to the Mavericks as some form of “IOU”.

Almost all mainstream NBA media have unambiguously denied the possibility of any conspiracy theories, but former player and now ESPN top commentator trio Richard Jefferson said the league is happy to have such a discussion.

"That 2% does happen. This happens a lot," Jefferson said of the lottery draw surprise in the "Road Trippin" podcast [h/t Larry Brown Sports].

"Everyone wants to say that this is manipulated, but the NBA likes this illusion. It is part of its charm. The NBA is the most dramatic sport. It is the second largest sport in the world, but it is the most dramatic in itself."

"Basketball players are full of drama on and off the court, all the drama, trivial quarrels, fathers on the court say nonsense to Hall of Famers, and the NBA is always full of all kinds of nonsense. It is just part of the drama." The NBA likes people saying 'Oh, this is manipulated'.

NBA president Adam Silver said when asked about the matter shortly after the Doncic-Davis deal that he didn't know about the deal until the transaction documents were delivered to the league office. Of course, conspiracy theorists have not believed this statement in the past and present.

Whether manipulated or not, it seems Flag, the recognized upcoming draft No. 1 pick, will be selected by the Mavericks with the No. 1 pick - unless Dallas general manager Nico Harrison decides to make some bold moves this offseason.