When it comes to the NBA Draft Lottery, not every year holds the same significance. Take last year’s event, for example, when the Atlanta Hawks made a surprising leap from the No. 10 spot to secure the top pick. While that was an exciting turn of events, this year’s lottery feels markedly different. Teams are entering the drawing with a clear target in mind: Cooper Flagg, the standout prospect poised to change the future of whatever franchise is fortunate enough to land him.
Flagg burst onto the scene as a generational talent upon entering Duke, and he did not disappoint. After an impressive season, he emerged as the best player in college basketball, all while being just 17 years old for half the season. He showcased his abilities by leading Duke to the Final Four, where a heartbreaking loss to Houston capped off his standout campaign. Flagg’s potential is simply unmatched in this draft class, setting him apart as a transformational figure waiting to step onto the NBA stage.
So, which team would benefit most from securing Flagg? Let’s break down the best fits, taking into consideration the potential impact on the franchise, the player’s development, and a touch of personal preference. With the lottery drawing set for May 12, the anticipation is building.
6. Dallas Mavericks
Lottery Position: No. 11 | Chance at No. 1 pick: 1.8%
While Nico Harrison and the Mavericks may not seem like the perfect match for Flagg, Mavs fans definitely deserve the excitement he would bring. After a disappointing season, particularly in the wake of a controversial Luka Doncic trade, the team’s outlook feels grim, especially with Kyrie Irving’s ACL recovery casting uncertainty over next year. Landing Flagg at No. 11 could reignite hope for the Dallas fanbase. Together with Dereck Lively II, Flagg would form a formidable frontcourt, but the Mavs must continue adding young talent on the perimeter. Winning the lottery from this position might raise a few eyebrows among conspiracy theorists, but it would certainly be a win for Mavericks supporters craving a bright new star in the draft.
5. Portland Trail Blazers
Lottery Position: No. 10 | Chance at No. 1 pick: 3.7%
After starting their post-Damian Lillard rebuild this season and totaling a solid 15-win improvement, the Blazers are keen to make another leap forward. However, they still lack a franchise player to elevate the team. Though they have some promising role players like Deni Avdija and Tourmani Camara, the core still needs a standout scorer. With the loaded 2026 draft class looming, the Blazers must be careful not to jump the gun on their rebuild this year. Flagg joining a young nucleus that includes Camara and Donovan Clingan could establish a fierce defensive identity, providing Portland with not only a budding offensive star but also one of the most exciting young cores in the league.
4. Charlotte Hornets
Lottery Position: No. 3 | Chance at No. 1 pick: 14%
The Hornets have felt the sting of near-misses in the draft lottery before, having finished second for high-profile talents like Anthony Davis and Victor Wembanyama. This time around, their need for luck feels especially urgent. After three seasons of declining wins, it’s clear that the current roster, prominently featuring LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, requires a fresh direction. With future first-round picks in hand, the Hornets could benefit from a shakeup. If they land Flagg, starting afresh without Ball could be the move they need, giving them the superstar that’s been absent for far too long.
3. Chicago Bulls
Lottery Position: No. 12 | Chance at No. 1 pick: 1.7%
Typically, a team in Chicago’s position might consider a rebuilding strategy, but the Bulls are committed to staying competitive after finishing with 39 wins two seasons in a row. The front office appears unwilling to sacrifice games for better lottery odds, stubbornly trying to remain relevant despite lacking a franchise player. They had some success last year with Matas Buzelis, but the roster still feels incomplete. Chicago is in desperate need of a cornerstone player to re-establish itself as a significant player in the league. If Flagg were to come their way, it would not only revitalize the organization but also reward their commitment to competitiveness.
2. Brooklyn Nets
Lottery Position: No. 6 | Chance at No. 1 pick: 9%
The Nets’ season ended a bit sour, with a rough final stretch that didn’t do their lottery chances any favors. While they have some solid performers like Cameron Johnson and Nic Claxton in place, the absence of a franchise player remains a glaring need. Flagg could change the narrative in Brooklyn, propelling them into an exciting new era led by an intriguing young core. The Nets have a promising coach in Jordi Fernandez, and with future draft picks to bolster their roster, they would do well to focus on drafting marquee talent rather than pursuing big-name trades. Bringing Flagg on board could spark a new wave of excitement in Brooklyn, crucial for rebuilding a franchise that faced challenges in its last iteration with superstars.
1. Washington Wizards
Lottery Position: No. 2 | Chance at No. 1 pick: 14%
For Wizards fans, excitement has been a rare commodity over the years. The franchise has struggled to find long-term success, with the John Wall-Bradley Beal era falling short of true contention. While they’ve been patient in their rebuilding efforts, the squad still lacks that franchise-defining player to elevate the talent around them. Introducing Flagg to Washington could not only reshape the franchise’s fortunes but also provide him with a nurturing environment to develop without the weight of immediate success hanging over him. The Wizards are essentially a blank canvas; landing a talent like Flagg would infuse purpose into their journey and set a clear timeline for future successes. If the NBA’s plan is to place Flagg in a setting where he can seize control, Washington is a fitting destination.
As the lottery approaches, all eyes will be on these franchises, and the future of the league may just hinge on where Flagg lands.
