Through two rounds of March Madness, one thing is clear, the Duke Blue Devils should be considered the favorite to win this year's event, and their star freshman Cooper Flagg is the best player in the tournament.
Flagg has been considered the eventual top pick in this June's NBA Draft's for the entire season. He is the type of player who could completely transform an organization with his combination of great defensive instincts, versatile offensive skillset.
With the NBA regular season starting to wind down, we have to start thinking about where Flagg could begin his NBA career next fall. I find it entertaining to think about where he would fit in best, not only for the sake of roster-building but also in terms of storyline. Based on current standings, rosters, and entertainment value, these are teams likely destined for the draft lottery I would most like to see Flagg end up with after the 2025 NBA Draft.
Chicago Bulls (Currently 32-40, 9th in East)
Flagg could be the spark that finally propels the Bulls out of no-man's land. Flagg's linking up with Coby White and Josh Giddey would immediately provide him with a solid supporting cast that can all make plays, which would give Chicago a new, youthful identity it has lacked for years. This would also probably be the NBA's dream come true, as they are in dire need of a young star in the Windy City.
Miami Heat (Currently 30-41, 10th in East)
Post Jimmy Butler trade, the Miami Heat have been terrible. They are 4-17 and seem like they are on the verge of missing the postseason for the first time since 2019. It feels like a basketball match made in heaven if the Heat can get their hands on Flagg. His aggressiveness and versatility scream "Heat Culture." He would flourish under Erik Spoelstra while partnering with Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. If Flagg can live up to the hype, he could help get Miami right back into the mix of things in the East very soon.
Toronto Raptors (Currently 25-47, 11th in East)
Flagg joining Toronto would significantly improve their young team they have built in the six. His work ethic and defensive ability would be ideal for Masai Ujiri's vision of having long, flexible lineups, as Toronto looks to build something similar to their 2019 championship roster. Over the second half of this season, the Raptors have begun to string together some victories and showed some fight they didn't show earlier in the season. If Toronto can win the lottery, Flagg would be an interesting piece on this Raptor roster.
Philadelphia 76ers (Currently 23-49, 13th in East)
Before the season, I would have laughed if you told me the Sixers would be in the Flagg sweepstakes, but this year has been disastrous for them. If the Sixers do get lucky and win the lottery, Flagg would be a fascinating fit in Philly. Hypothetically speaking, imagine a healthy Joel Embiid and Paul George, along with young rising stars Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain. Throw in the potential Flagg has; this could be a lineup so scary it could vault Philly straight into title contention if everyone can stay on the floor.
Dallas Mavericks (Currently 35-37, 11th in West)
The one I want the most is Flagg joining the Mavericks. It just feels like the Mavericks fanbase needs a new hope after the team betrayed them in February after dealing Luka Doncic to the Lakers. Flagg teaming up with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving would be must-see television right away, and like the Sixers, if this hypothetical trio can stay healthy, we could instantly see Flagg on a title contender in the early years of his NBA career. Flagg would give the Mavs a new face to build around and the fan base someone to rally behind as they still struggle to come to terms with Doncic's departure. The city would be filled with new optimism and would embrace Flagg as the saving grace this broken fan base needs.
San Antonio Spurs (Currently 31-39, 13th in East)
A nightmare for every rival general manager. Flagg potentially landing on a team with Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox has the potential to create the NBA's next great Big 3, who could be a force for years to come. Wemby very well could be the best player in basketball in the next three years, and with Fox's lightning-fast speed already at his side, they are already a good duo. Throw Flagg in the mix? We may need to get used to the idea of another dynasty in San Antonio being formed over the next decade.
My Personal Ranking Of Where I Want To See Flagg Land:
Dallas Mavericks
Chicago Bulls
Toronto Raptors
San Antonio Spurs
Miami Heat
Philadelphia 76ers
Comments