Which NBA lottery teams need Cooper Flagg the most?

While Monday's lottery will determine which team will have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the player going in that spot is already a certainty. 

Former Duke forward Cooper Flagg is the locked-in top prospect. He entered the 2024-25 NCAA season in that spot, and only built on his reputation, averaging 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds, while shooting 48.1% from the field. He became the fifth freshman to win the Naismith Player of the Year award while leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four. 

Flagg, a 6-foot-9 wing, can score at all three levels, fluidly facilitate the ball to his teammates and initiate an offense. He's also a solid on-ball defender, and uses his length and intelligence to disrupt sets when off the ball. He does it all without demanding additional touches or recognition who could easily fit into whichever team is lucky enough to win Monday's lottery. Any organization would welcome Flagg, but some need him more than others. 

Let's count down five teams that would most benefit from acquiring a generational talent like Flagg. 

5. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have just a 1.8% chance of landing the No. 1 pick, but, boy, do they need it. Bringing in Flagg is like a get-out-of-jail-free card for an organization desperate to win back its fan-base after trading away Luka Dončić. Flagg would fit perfectly into general manager Nico Harrison's "defense wins championships" motto and would be a natural running-mate for Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, once he returns from a torn ACL. 

One of the many issues with the Mavericks trading Doncic was that they narrowed their championship-contending window as they're relying on two stars over the age of 32 with a deep injury history. Not only would Flagg help