Cooper Flagg Alert: Which NBA Teams Might Snag This Phenom?

For basketball enthusiasts, particularly fans of college hoops, March Madness represents a pinnacle of excitement. This period is less thrilling for those who favor NBA action, as the league shifts into a lower gear in preparation for the playoffs.

As March unfolds, NBA teams start strategizing for the imminent postseason. For top-tier teams, this often means reducing the workload on their star players and dialing back the intensity to save energy for more critical matches. Conversely, teams with no hope of playoffs begin their descent into tanking mode, deliberately losing games to enhance their draft lottery odds as the season winds down.

Typically, this results in a lackluster performance across much of the league. However, this year is different thanks to the buzz around Cooper Flagg, making the race to the bottom more intriguing than usual.

Flagg, a freshman sensation for the Duke Blue Devils, has lived up to his billing as a once-in-a-generation talent. Throughout the regular season, he averaged 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, showcasing his skills as a versatile forward. Despite a recent ankle injury in the ACC tournament, expectations are high for his performance in the upcoming NCAA tournament for the top-seeded Duke.

NBA teams languishing at the bottom of the standings are keenly eyeing Flagg, ready to lose strategically to secure the best possible odds in the NBA draft lottery. The worst three teams each have a 14% chance of winning the lottery, with progressively lower odds for teams further up the standings.

Let’s delve into the strategic tanking efforts and examine the five teams most likely to secure the top draft pick and, potentially, Cooper Flagg.

Utah Jazz

Record entering Friday: 16–54
Current No. 1 pick odds: 14%

The Jazz have strategically positioned themselves for this draft, having dismantled their contending team including stars like Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. Their recent snap of a 10-game losing streak and a hefty NBA fine for possibly exaggerated injuries highlight their commitment to securing a top draft pick.

With only a dozen games left and a challenging schedule ahead, Utah is poised to finish with one of the league’s worst records, maximizing their chances at drafting Flagg.

Washington Wizards

Record entering Friday: 15–53
Current No. 1 pick odds: 14%

The Wizards, matching Utah in their lackluster performance, have a roster focusing on development rather than immediate success. Despite recent acquisitions, their young core continues to struggle, keeping them firmly at the bottom of the standings.

With a relatively easier schedule towards the season’s end, the Wizards aim to maintain their poor record to maximize their lottery chances.

Charlotte Hornets

Record entering Friday: 18–51
Current No. 1 pick odds: 14%

Unlike the Jazz and Wizards, the Hornets hadn’t planned on being in the draft lottery race. Injuries and underperformance have left them with a disjointed team, making them another contender for a high draft pick and the chance to rejuvenate their roster.

Despite a challenging schedule ahead, the Hornets hope to maintain their position among the teams with the best lottery odds.

New Orleans Pelicans

Record entering Friday: 19–51
Current No. 1 pick odds: 12.5%

The Pelicans did not anticipate their season to unravel as it has, plagued by injuries and misfortune. Despite this, securing a top pick could offer a silver lining, providing a boost to their rebuilding efforts.

While they face a moderately tough schedule, the return of key players like Zion Williamson could affect their lottery odds if they start winning more games.

Philadelphia 76ers

Record entering Friday: 23–46
Current No. 1 pick odds: 9%

The Sixers are enduring a disastrous season, with injuries devastating their lineup. If they manage to secure a top lottery pick, it could significantly mitigate the season’s disappointments.

Despite an easier schedule ahead, Philadelphia’s depleted roster may struggle to win, potentially improving their lottery odds in the process.

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