The Silver Lining of Losing: A Path to Drafting Cooper Flagg
Sometimes, losing in professional sports has its hidden perks. Every season, the teams with the worst regular-season records in the four major American sports are given the best odds to secure a high pick in the subsequent draft. In the NBA, this can be a lifeline for struggling teams, offering a chance to rebuild and rejuvenate their squad with promising young talent. Enter Cooper Flagg, the highly touted Duke star who is projected to be a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. For teams that struggle the most between now and the spring, there is a glimmer of hope in the form of drafting Flagg, a prospect who could turn their fortunes around.
The Current Odds: Who Will Land Cooper Flagg?
As of February 17, the odds for which team will draft Cooper Flagg are closely contested, but a few teams stand out. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Washington Wizards are currently the favorites at +500, followed closely by the Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets, and New Orleans Pelicans, all at +550. The Chicago Bulls are right behind them at +650, while the Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors are slightly longer shots at +850. These odds reflect the teams’ current performance and their potential to secure a top draft pick, which could bring in a talented player like Flagg.
The Wizards: A Team in Need of a Boost
The Washington Wizards, sitting at the bottom of the league with a 9-45 record as of February 17, have the worst defense in the NBA, allowing the most points per game. They are losing by an average of over 13 points per game, making them a prime candidate for the top draft pick. The Wizards’ struggles are evident, but the possibility of drafting a star like Cooper Flagg is a silver lining. Flagg, who has averaged 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks in his 25 games at Duke, could provide the spark the Wizards need to turn their season around.
The Jazz, Hornets, and Pelicans: Competing for the Top Pick
The Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets, and New Orleans Pelicans, all with similar poor records, are also strong contenders for the top pick. The Jazz, at 13-41, the Hornets at 13-39, and the Pelicans at 13-42, are all vying for a shot at the No. 1 pick. These teams have shown flashes of potential but have been unable to consistently perform at a high level. Drafting a player of Flagg’s caliber could be the missing piece they need to rebuild and compete in the future. Flagg’s versatility and impact on both ends of the floor make him a highly sought-after prospect.
The Draft Lottery: A Game of Chance and Strategy
In the NBA draft lottery, the three worst teams each have a 14% chance of landing the No. 1 pick, while the fourth-worst team has a 12.5% chance, and the fifth-worst team has a 10.5% chance. The draft lottery introduces an element of unpredictability, making it a game of both skill and luck. For the Wizards and other struggling teams, the odds are in their favor, but recent history has not been kind to the worst teams in the league. Last year, the Atlanta Hawks, who only had a 3% chance, secured the No. 1 pick. The Detroit Pistons, despite having the worst record, picked fifth. The 2023 draft saw the San Antonio Spurs, with the second-worst record, picking first, while the Pistons again picked fifth. The last time the worst team in the NBA won the draft lottery was in 2018, when the Phoenix Suns selected Deandre Ayton with the top pick.
The Future Looks Bright with Cooper Flagg
For the teams struggling this season, the prospect of drafting Cooper Flagg could be a transformative moment. Flagg’s impressive stats and potential make him a top prospect, and the chance to secure him with a high pick is a significant opportunity. The Wizards, Jazz, Hornets, and Pelicans, among others, are all in a position where drafting Flagg could be the catalyst they need to rebuild and return to contention. While the draft lottery is a game of chance, the potential rewards are undeniable. For fans and teams alike, the excitement of the draft and the possibility of securing a future star like Flagg bring a sense of hope and optimism to an otherwise challenging season.
