Cooper Flagg: 5 potential NBA destinations for the No. 1 Pick in the 2025 Draft Lottery

Cooper Flagg: 5 potential NBA destinations for the No. 1 Pick in the 2025 Draft Lottery

David Ben 10:09 - 11.05.2025

The Cooper Flagg sweepstakes reaches its climax Monday, as NBA teams prepare to chase the most coveted No. 1 pick in years.

With the NBA Draft Lottery looming on Monday, basketball fans are already on high alert.

 The stake could not be higher than the rights to select former Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg, the undisputed No. 1 prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft and a once-in-a-generation talent who took the college world by storm during his freshman season at Duke University.

Flagg, a dynamic forward with exceptional court vision, versatility, and two-way dominance, led the Blue Devils to the ACC double and a Final Four appearance. 

Cooper Flagg NBA Draft Lottery
Cooper Flagg | Getty Images

Teams will get their first up-close look at Flagg during the NBA Draft Combine next week in Chicago, where his stock is unlikely to waver.

The Maine-born forward averaged 21.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.1 steals this past season, while showcasing rare poise and polished footwork for an 18-year-old.

Cooper Flagg NBA Draft Lottery
Flagg is expected to go No. 1 in the 2025 NBA Draft | Credit: Imago

The  Maine-native is widely expected to be the first name off the board on June 25–26, but which team will be lucky enough to build their future around him?

In this article, Pulse Sports reveals the no.1 pick could be heading to in the NBA Draft Lottery.

Utah Jazz

The Jazz finished the season at a dismal 17–65, signalling the depths of a full-scale rebuild. 

While they’ve shown flashes of potential with players like Keyonte George and Walker Kessler, they lack a true cornerstone.

Cooper Flagg NBA Draft Lottery
Duke Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg is expected to go first in the 2025 NBA Draft Pick | Imago

Flagg, with his leadership and versatility, could revive basketball in Salt Lake City in the same way Karl Malone and John Stockton did in years past.

Even though the Jazz have been told to pass up on Flagg, they have cap space and assets to build around him quickly. 

Washington Wizards

Washington has been languishing in irrelevance for years, and a 18–64 record in 2024–25 confirmed their status as bottom-dwellers.

Their young core, including Bilal Coulibaly, lacks a central figure to rally around.

Cooper Flagg NBA Draft Lottery
Cooper Flagg was phenomenal in March Madness | Credit: Getty

Flagg’s physicality, defensive presence, and offensive IQ could finally give D.C. the long-term leader they've missed since John Wall’s prime.

Charlotte Hornets

With LaMelo Ball still showing superstar potential and Brandon Miller developing nicely, Charlotte (19–63) needs a glue guy – and Cooper Flagg is more than that. 

Cooper Flagg NBA Draft Lottery
Cooper Flagg | Credit: X

Flagg is an efficient defensive anchor, a floor general in the half-court, and a vocal leader.

 His play style complements Ball’s flashy guard skills, and under new management, the Hornets could build a sustainable contender. 

Brooklyn Nets

After shedding their superstar trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, the Nets are back to square one.

 A player like Flagg would provide instant identity and direction.

Cooper Flagg NBA Draft Lottery
Cooper Flagg | Getty Images

Brooklyn has a solid market appeal, and pairing Flagg with promising role players like Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton could accelerate their climb back to relevance.

Toronto Raptors

Toronto has struggled to maintain momentum after Fred VanVleet’s departure and has yet to build around Scottie Barnes effectively. 

The Raptors still boast a strong developmental system, and Flagg could thrive under their structure. 

Cooper Flagg NBA Draft Lottery
Cooper Flagg | Getty

Adding a high-IQ, high-effort talent like Flagg could make Toronto competitive again in the East. 

Regardless of which team wins the lottery, one thing is certain: Cooper Flagg is NBA-ready!

When is the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery?

The NBA Draft Lottery is set for May 12 in Chicago.

The Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets are leading the charge for the top pick.

And with Flagg in the mix, whoever lands No. 1 will be getting the headliner on the franchise menu.

When is the 2025 NBA Draft?

The NBA Draft itself is scheduled for June 25 at 8 p.m. ET, airing live on ESPN, ABC and ESPN+.

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