Duke Shares Big Update on Cooper Flagg’s Potential NBA Future

Three teams share the highest odds of landing the No. 1 overall pick.

Utah Jazz: With a 14 percent chance at the top spot, the Jazz had the worst record in the league, winning just 17 games. If they win the lottery and draft Flagg, he’d likely pair with rising center Walker Kessler.

Washington Wizards: Also with a 14 percent chance, the Wizards finished with 18 wins. Flagg would be an intriguing fit alongside young big man Alex Sarr and promising guard Bub Carrington.

Charlotte Hornets: Rounding out the trio with 14 percent odds, the Hornets already have LaMelo Ball but desperately need more talent. Flagg would be a strong addition to a team still building around Ball and 2023 No. 2 pick Brandon Miller, who has dealt with injuries early in his career.

Outside the top three, a few other teams have a shot at jumping to No. 1:

New Orleans Pelicans (12.5 percent) and Philadelphia 76ers (10.5 percent) round out the top five in odds. Rumors suggest New Orleans may be looking to trade Zion Williamson, and questions still surround Joel Embiid’s health in Philly. Both teams could look very different by the start of next season.

Brooklyn Nets sit at 9 percent, followed by Toronto Raptors (7.5 percent), San Antonio Spurs (6 percent), Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers (3.8 percent each), Dallas Mavericks and Chicago Bulls (1.8 percent each), and finally Atlanta Hawks and San Antonio Spurs again (0.8 percent each) through traded picks.

Flagg played 37 games for the Duke Blue Devils, averaging 30.6 minutes per game. The 6-foot-9 forward posted impressive stats: 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per contest. His final college appearance came in a 70-67 loss to Houston in the NCAA Tournament Final Four, where he scored 27 points.

All eyes are now on the draft lottery. The team that wins it will have the first chance to add a potential franchise-changing talent in Cooper Flagg.