March is one of the most exciting months of the year for basketball fans, particularly those who follow college basketball. The NCAA Tournament, known as March Madness, captivates audiences with its thrilling matchups, unexpected upsets, and breakout performances from future NBA stars. However, for fans of the professional game, March can be a slower time. NBA teams are either ramping up for the postseason or, for those at the bottom of the standings, preparing for the draft lottery.
As the regular season winds down, the league begins to see a clear divide. Playoff-bound teams focus on resting key players and fine-tuning strategies for the postseason. Meanwhile, non-contending teams shift their attention toward the future. For these struggling franchises, securing a high draft pick becomes the primary goal, leading to what some call “tanking”—intentionally fielding less competitive rosters to improve their odds in the NBA Draft Lottery.
This year, tanking teams have more incentive than usual. Enter Cooper Flagg, the Duke Blue Devils’ freshman sensation, and a generational prospect who has scouts and executives salivating at the thought of drafting him.
Who is Cooper Flagg?
Flagg entered the season with sky-high expectations, and he has not only met them but exceeded them. The versatile forward has showcased an elite skill set on both ends of the floor, averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. He has proven to be a dominant force offensively, capable of scoring at all three levels, while also being a defensive anchor with his shot-blocking and perimeter versatility.
Despite a minor setback—a sprained ankle in the ACC tournament—Flagg remains the consensus No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. His combination of size, athleticism, basketball IQ, and defensive prowess makes him a franchise-changing player, drawing comparisons to Kevin Durant and Scottie Pippen.
With his NBA future seemingly set in stone, teams at the bottom of the standings are positioning themselves to land the next big star. The three worst teams in the league will each have a 14% chance of securing the No. 1 pick, with odds gradually decreasing for teams ranked higher. As the draft lottery race heats up, let’s take a look at five teams most likely to land Cooper Flagg.
1. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons have been stuck in rebuild mode for years, and despite acquiring young talent like Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, they remain at the bottom of the standings. Adding Flagg to their core could provide Detroit with the defensive stopper and scoring threat they desperately need to turn the franchise around. Pairing him with a pass-first guard like Cunningham would allow Flagg to maximize his offensive potential while contributing to the team’s defensive growth.
2. Washington Wizards
The Wizards are in the early stages of a rebuild following the departures of Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porziņģis. While Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma have provided some scoring, the team lacks a true cornerstone player. Flagg would immediately become the face of the franchise, bringing stability and excitement to a team in desperate need of direction.
3. San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama has already shown flashes of brilliance in his rookie season, and pairing him with Flagg could create one of the most dominant young frontcourts in NBA history. Head coach Gregg Popovich has a history of developing young talent, and Flagg’s defensive versatility would perfectly complement Wembanyama’s shot-blocking presence. The Spurs have been among the league’s worst teams, making them strong contenders for the top pick.
4. Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets have struggled with injuries and inconsistency, leaving LaMelo Ball as their lone bright spot. Bringing in Flagg would provide the team with a much-needed defensive presence and another offensive weapon to complement Ball’s playmaking ability. Charlotte has long searched for a second star, and Flagg could be the answer to their problems.
5. Portland Trail Blazers
After trading Damian Lillard, the Trail Blazers committed to a rebuild centered around young guards Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. While those two bring promise, the team lacks a dominant wing or forward to anchor their defense and contribute offensively. Flagg could be the missing piece, giving Portland a well-rounded trio to build around for the future.
The Race to the Bottom
With only a few weeks left in the regular season, expect these teams to continue prioritizing player development over immediate wins. Whether through resting veterans, experimenting with new lineups, or simply struggling due to a lack of talent, the race to secure the best lottery odds will be fierce.
Winning the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes could change the trajectory of a franchise overnight. With his elite skill set and superstar potential, Flagg is the type of player who can turn a struggling team into a title contender. As the NBA Draft Lottery approaches, all eyes will be on these teams as they battle for the chance to land the most coveted prospect in years.