NBA Trade Deadline in the Rearview Mirror
With the NBA trade deadline now a distant memory and the All-Star break on the horizon, the league is gearing up for the final stretch of the regular season. For teams with their eyes on the playoffs, the next few weeks will be crucial for refining their rosters and strategies. However, for the rest of the NBA, the focus shifts to a different kind of competition: the race to land the top draft pick, Cooper Flagg.
Meet Cooper Flagg, the Duke Sensation
Cooper Flagg, the 18-year-old Duke phenom, has emerged as the consensus No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft. Despite his age, Flagg has already made a significant impact in college basketball, averaging 19.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. He has even surpassed the Box Plus-Minus of seasoned veterans like Johni Broome of Auburn and All-Star Alperen Şengün. The NBA has implemented measures to discourage tanking, but the allure of drafting a player of Flagg’s caliber is undeniable. As the regular season winds down, the draft lottery has become a must-watch event.
The Five Teams with the Best Shot at Flagg
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards, with a record of 9-44, have a solid chance of maintaining their 14 percent odds at the No. 1 pick. The team’s recent trade history, including the 2020 swap of John Wall for Russell Westbrook, has left them with a protected pick that could be a game-changer. Despite their struggles, the Wizards face one of the easiest schedules ahead, which could help them secure their position in the lottery.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans have had a disastrous season, hampered by injuries and misfortune. With one of the toughest remaining schedules, they could still rise to the top of the draft lottery. The team’s history of drafting high-potential talent like Anthony Davis and Zion Williamson has not translated into playoff success, making a pick like Flagg a potential game-changer. The Pelicans’ full control over their first-round pick gives them a significant advantage in the race.
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz, who have never selected No. 1 in their 51-year history, could finally break that streak. Despite a strong start, trades and injuries have derailed their season. The team’s front office was wise to place protections on the pick they sent to Oklahoma City in a previous trade, ensuring that they still have a shot at Flagg. With a challenging schedule ahead, the Jazz have a realistic chance of improving their lottery odds.
Charlotte Hornets
New ownership under Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin could mark a new era for the Charlotte Hornets. A strong finish to the season, despite a tough schedule, could see them land Flagg, an in-state hero who could revitalize the franchise. The Hornets have a history of coming close to the top pick but have never secured it. Landing Flagg could change their fortunes and bring the team the success they have long sought.
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets are in a unique position. After trading away key players like Ben Simmons and James Harden, they are in need of a new face to lead the team. Flagg could be that player. The Nets control their first-round pick this year and face a challenging schedule ahead. If they can maintain their position, they stand a good chance of landing one of the top picks in the draft.
Teams in Lottery Limbo
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are in a tricky position. While they have shown flashes of competitiveness, their recent trade for Brandon Ingram and his ensuing injury have derailed their season. With the easiest remaining schedule in the league, they have a chance to improve their record, but this could work against them in the lottery. The Raptors need to decide whether to chase wins or focus on securing a high draft pick.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers owe their first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of a previous trade. However, the pick is top-6 protected, meaning they still have a shot at Flagg if they fall outside the top six in the draft. With a cupcake schedule ahead and Joel Embiid back in action, the 76ers face a delicate balancing act. They need to decide whether to push for the playoffs or focus on the draft lottery.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are in a state of flux. After trading key players like Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, they are trying to find their identity. With a middle-of-the-pack schedule, the Bulls need to decide whether to push for the playoffs or focus on the draft lottery. Their recent performance suggests they are somewhere in between, making their future uncertain.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers have been a rollercoaster this season, surprising many with their recent winning streak. However, their tough remaining schedule and inconsistent performance make it difficult to predict their finish. If they can maintain their momentum, they could make a run for the playoffs, but a slip-up could land them in the lottery. The next two months will be crucial for the Blazers.
The Terrifying Scenarios
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are in a unique position to land Flagg in two different ways. They have their own pick and Atlanta’s unprotected pick from the Dejounte Murray trade. With a tough schedule ahead, the Spurs could improve their lottery odds with their own pick. If the Hawks, who are hovering just below .500, fall further, the Spurs could also land their pick. The combination of both picks could give the Spurs a significant chance at drafting Flagg alongside Victor Wembanyama.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder have multiple avenues to land Flagg. They possess Philadelphia’s top-6 protected pick and the swap rights to the L.A. Clippers’ 2025 pick. The Clippers’ tough remaining schedule and their position in the playoff hunt could see them slip, potentially giving the Thunder a lottery ticket. If the Clippers falter, the Thunder could find themselves in a strong position to secure the No. 1 pick.
Conclusion: The Draft Lottery’s High Stakes
The draft lottery is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable events of the NBA season. Teams like the Wizards, Pelicans, Jazz, Hornets, and Nets are well-positioned to land the top pick, while the Raptors, 76ers, Bulls, and Blazers face a delicate balancing act. The Spurs and Thunder, with their unique draft assets, could take the lottery by storm. As the season winds down, the race to draft Cooper Flagg will be a thrilling spectacle that could reshape the NBA landscape.
