2025 NBA Draft: Which lottery hopeful is the best fit for Cooper Flagg?
Cooper Flagg had a remarkable freshman season at Duke.
On a Blue Devils team that claimed a No. 1 seed in the 2025 NCAA Men's Tournament and reached the Final Four, Flagg showcased his ability to be a leading source of offense — attacking the rack, playing in isolation and boasting a respectable perimeter jumper. He also wreaked havoc on the defensive end, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game, while shooting 48.1/38.5/84.0.
Flagg ended the season with ACC All-Defense honors and was named the ACC Player of the Year. Unfortunately for Flagg, his freshman campaign ended in cataclysmic fashion, as Duke blew a six-point lead in the final minute of play against Houston in the Final Four.
Flagg will likely be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. While the lottery balls will determine who picks where, Utah, Washington, Charlotte, New Orleans and Philadelphia currently own the league's five worst records.
That said, here's how the aforementioned lottery teams rank as fits for Flagg.
The Hornets have a lot of compelling young players, but they continue to be a franchise going nowhere. Getting Flagg could be the pickup that finally turns the tide for Charlotte.
LaMelo Ball is an All-Star caliber scorer; Brandon Miller has the sharp offensive skill set to be a building block; Mark Williams is a productive, young center. Still, the Hornets haven't won 30 games in three seasons. Upon joining Charles Lee's rotation, Flagg wouldn't be relied on to play hero, as Ball is accustomed to taking on the scoring burden and Miller has displayed the ability to shoot and score with consistency.
Flagg letting the game come to him, forcing the issue at the rim and gradually getting acclimated