It seems almost certain that Cooper Flagg will be the top selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. At just 18, he possesses all the qualities of a future NBA star, and teams are eager for the opportunity to pick him.
Although the draft doesn’t take place until June 25, the process takes a key step forward on Monday night with the NBA draft lottery. This event establishes the order of selection and helps teams begin planning their draft strategies.
However, the team that secures the No. 1 pick likely won’t have to think too hard — choosing Flagg appears to be an obvious decision.
Duke, where Flagg spent his only college season, shared a post on social media Monday asking:
“Tonight! Who do you wanna see land that top pick?”
Three teams are tied with the best odds of winning the lottery.
Utah Jazz: Holding a 14% chance, the Jazz had the league’s worst record with just 17 wins. If they land the top pick, Flagg would likely join forces with emerging center Walker Kessler.
Washington Wizards: Also with a 14% chance after an 18-win season, the Wizards could pair Flagg with young big man Alex Sarr and promising guard Bub Carrington — an exciting trio for the future.
Beyond the top three, several other teams still have a shot at landing the No. 1 overall pick.
The New Orleans Pelicans (12.5%) and Philadelphia 76ers (10.5%) round out the top five in lottery odds. There’s speculation that New Orleans may be exploring trade options involving Zion Williamson, while ongoing concerns about Joel Embiid’s health continue to cast uncertainty over the Sixers’ future. Both franchises could undergo significant changes before next season.

The Brooklyn Nets follow with a 9% chance, with the Toronto Raptors at 7.5%. The San Antonio Spurs come next at 6%, followed by the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers, each with a 3.8% shot. The Dallas Mavericks and Chicago Bulls both hold 1.8% odds, while the Atlanta Hawks and a second Spurs pick—acquired via trade—each have a 0.8% chance.
Cooper Flagg appeared in 37 games during his lone season at Duke, averaging 30.6 minutes per game. The 6-foot-9 forward delivered standout numbers: 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His final college outing came in the NCAA Tournament Final Four, where he scored 27 points in a narrow 70-67 loss to Houston.
Now, all attention shifts to the draft lottery — where the winner will gain the first opportunity to select Flagg, a player widely regarded as a potential franchise cornerstone.