The projected #1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA 2026 Draft from Duke University, Cooper Flagg is in the radar for a lot of lottery teams.
But who should draft him? Here are my picks:
Utah Jazz
This team is straight up horrible in the West. They are currently #15 seed with a 15-53 record.
Lauri Markannen has been disappointing, there’s no development for Walker Kessler, Jordan Clarkson has proven not to be the franchise player of this squad while both Keyonte George and Colin Sexton have produced solid numbers but they’re way too inconsistent.
Besides, the team is desperate to land a new young star in their squad anyways. Ever since the departure of Donavan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, the team has been in an existential crisis.
Flagg’s versatility to be an all around scorer and defender will be greatly utilized here.
Charlotte Hornets
The team has been underwhelming for the past few seasons already. They got the LaMelo Ball highlight mixtape ready at every end-game but other than that, this team got nothing.
Charlotte is also missing a key contributor in the forward department anyways. Aside from Miles Bridges, no one off the bench has been able to provide the scoring outburst and defensive presence they’re looking for. Brandon Miller should’ve been that guy but he’s injured.
They got a lot of “unheard of players” playing the small forward and power forward positions in their squad so having Flagg be here is something useful for them.
The Blue Devil star player is currently averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.3 blocks, 1.5 steals and shooting 83% from the free throw line, 36.8% from the 3-point area and 48.8% from the field, he can definitely turn things around for this franchise.
Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn Nets are willing to give up any of their current players just to have the number #1 pick in this year’s draft.
With a record of 23-45 and the #13 seed in the East, Head Coach Jordi Fernández can have his hands on of the most anticipated number #1 pick of all time, behind Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James.
They may have some “quality-ish” star players like D’Angelo Russel, Nic Claxton, Cam Thomas and Cam Johnson but all of those can be traded away to get the real star their franchise is longing for.
Dallas Mavericks
A star forward that can play from 2 to 4 positions? Can create his own shot, can rebound and defend at a high level? Who do they have in that department currently? PJ Washington? Klay Thompson? Naji Marshall? Yeah right.
This is certainly a shot at the moon type of request or “wishful thinking” but literally speaking, this is what this organization needs.
Nico Harrison should’ve told the team to tank once he saw Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis go down because of injuries.
But for this to happen, the Mavs just have to let go of their Play-In Tournament hopes ASAP and accept the inevitable.
A Sudden Change of Heart?
He may look “NBA ready” but this freshman can very well change his mind at the last second and play for another year at Duke.
That being said, if ever Cooper Flagg decides to stay in the collegiate ranks, I can very much assure you that NBA teams are willing to tank for him again in the 2027 NBA draft.
