Ranking Cooper Flagg’s Best NBA Fits: Top 5 Landing Spots After Duke

Cooper Flagg isn`t your typical top NBA draft prospect who is all about scoring. While this Duke standout, who`s set to play in the NCAA Tournament, can definitely score, it`s not his main strength. Unlike most rookies who need defensive development, Flagg is exceptionally polished defensively for his age, perhaps the most so in the last decade, except for Victor Wembanyama. He`s also a surprisingly skilled playmaker for his position and his jump shot is getting better quickly. He even considered breaking the usual one-and-done path by staying at Duke for another year.

However, it`s highly unlikely he`ll stay in college. Financially, it wouldn`t make sense, no matter how much money he could earn at Duke. Top prospects usually go to the NBA to start earning rookie salaries right away and to begin the countdown to their bigger second contract. This second contract, which can be signed after three seasons and starts after the fourth, is where they can earn market value. Every year Flagg spends in college delays his chance to earn potentially over $35 million per year right away. His advisors are surely pushing him towards the NBA as soon as possible for these financial reasons.

So, we can expect Flagg to be a top pick in June. The real question is, which team is the best fit for him? He doesn`t get to choose, of course, but given his unique profile, he might not thrive in the same environment as a typical No. 1 pick. While a high-scoring prospect can excel on a struggling team, Flagg needs a different situation.

Ideally, he should join a team with a primary scorer already established, allowing his offense to develop over time. The team should also have frontcourt flexibility. Flagg is expected to play power forward, but his 6-foot-9 frame could also work at small forward or even center in certain lineups. If a team already has key players locked into those positions, it might limit Flagg`s potential. Given his well-rounded game, it would be beneficial for him to join a winning team sooner rather than later. It`s not essential, as most rookie stars start on weaker teams to work through their development, but Flagg seems ready to contribute to winning now.

Current odds for No. 1 pick: 2%

The Blazers are somewhat like Flagg among rebuilding teams. They don`t have a clear superstar prospect yet, but they`ve collected versatile young players. They have potential All-Defense players like Toumani Camara and versatile players like Deni Avdija. While Donovan Clingan is their center of the future, he won`t take up so much playing time that Flagg can`t play center if needed. He might not need to play center right away because Deandre Ayton is under contract for one more year, but it’s an option later.

The main question for Portland is who will be their primary scorer. Anfernee Simons currently fills that role, but his contract ends next year, and he might be better as a secondary scorer or even a trade option.

Scoot Henderson, the No. 3 pick in 2023, is starting to improve. This athletic point guard has had several 20-point games recently and is becoming a more consistent 3-point shooter. Flagg`s ability to space the floor and develop a two-man game with Henderson could benefit both players. Henderson`s speed will draw defenders, creating space for Flagg to operate.

Henderson isn`t a guaranteed star, and the Blazers aren`t a typical rebuilding team. They are more mature than their age suggests, much like Flagg. While other teams might offer more upside, there`s something appealing about placing Flagg on a team of experienced young players where he could contribute meaningfully as a rookie, unlike somewhere like Washington.

Current odds for No. 1 pick: 14%

The Hornets have tried to connect with local college basketball fans, drafting players from North Carolina schools, but haven`t had lasting success. They currently have three Duke players on their roster. Flagg is a more impactful player than any of them and might be the one to change things.

The Hornets currently have the NBA`s 29th-ranked offense, but there`s potential for improvement. Brandon Miller, the No. 2 pick in 2023, will have more playing time. LaMelo Ball is the main offensive player, and a partnership with Flagg could be beneficial. Flagg needs to manage his usage early on, while Ball dominates possessions. Ball`s unstructured style needs to be balanced by veterans, and Flagg, unusually for a rookie, could fit that role.

A trio of Ball, Flagg, and Miller would be Charlotte`s most talented core since the Mourning-Johnson era. The new front office is managing the rebuild well, acquiring picks and creating cap space for 2026 free agency. A quick turnaround is possible with the right lottery pick, and Flagg could be that player.

Current odds for No. 1 pick: 14%

The Jazz may not have obvious young stars on Flagg`s timeline like the Hornets, or the Blazers` depth, but they have flexibility.

The Jazz have a wealth of draft picks, rivaling only the Thunder, giving them the ability to trade for any players Flagg might need. More importantly, Danny Ainge, their executive, has a history of building championship teams. Flagg`s career would be in good hands in Utah, similar to Victor Wembanyama`s situation with a smart front office and a clean slate.

Their current core includes Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and John Collins in the frontcourt. These diverse players provide flexibility to experiment with how Flagg fits in. Collins` contract is expiring, making him easy to move if needed. Markkanen is now extended, but could also be traded for significant value if necessary.

Flagg`s rookie season would be an experiment, allowing the Jazz to assess their backcourt. Keyonte George has shown scoring ability, but needs to improve efficiency and decision-making. Isaiah Collier`s scoring needs to catch up to his playmaking. Utah`s draft pick surplus means they can address any needs, unlike many other teams.

Current odds for No. 1 pick: 9.0%

Ignoring the large contracts of Joel Embiid and Paul George for a moment, the 76ers have Tyrese Maxey, potentially the best guard teammate for Flagg. Maxey can handle scoring early in Flagg`s career, gradually sharing as Flagg develops. He`s a great 3-point shooter, plays well off-ball, and his experience with Embiid would benefit Flagg. He knows how to adjust his pace to play with a bigger player.

Reintroducing Embiid and George, even with health concerns, the 76ers have star players at center and small forward. They also have Jared McCain and Quentin Grimes at guard. If healthy, they lack only a power forward, making Flagg a perfect fit. His presence could even help keep Embiid and George healthier by reducing their minutes.

Despite a less successful season, General Manager Daryl Morey has a long history of building winning teams. Flagg wouldn`t be joining a complete rebuild, but a team with foundational players and a proven GM.

Current odds for No. 1 pick: 4.5%

It`s the Spurs. Wembanyama and Flagg together could be dominant for a decade. They are a perfect fit for each other. Wembanyama is a generational rim protector, while Flagg excels as a versatile forward defender. Flagg can be aggressive defensively knowing Wembanyama is behind him.

Stephon Castle is an athletic, high-IQ young guard whose shooting is his main weakness. Pairing him with floor-spacing big men like Flagg and Wembanyama maximizes his strengths. De`Aaron Fox, recently acquired, provides veteran leadership while the young players develop.

Chris Paul is currently on the team and could return next season. He has a proven track record of developing young stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Devin Booker. His guidance would be invaluable for Flagg. The Spurs have the infrastructure and experience to develop a talent like Flagg.

Assuming Wembanyama stays healthy, a frontcourt of him and Flagg would be one of the most promising in NBA history, potentially competing for championships soon. The Spurs are the clear best fit.

We`ve covered five teams projected in the top 11. Here’s why others aren`t ideal:

• **Wizards:** Too early in their rebuild. Guard play isn`t ready to support Flagg. Sarr and Coulibaly are promising, but adding another similar player might be premature. They need a traditional scoring top pick.
• **Nets:** Even earlier in their rebuild than the Wizards. Lack building blocks. Cam Thomas is a scorer, but not ideal next to Flagg who needs a ball-sharing guard.
• **Raptors:** Unclear direction. Wing-heavy again without stars. Need a ball-handling guard. Front office recent moves are questionable.
• **Pelicans:** Too many forwards already. Zion Williamson complicates fit. Flagg might not get enough ball-handling reps. Potential for high upside but also low floor.
• **Bulls:** Poorly managed front office. Don`t deserve a talent like Flagg. Need to improve their organization before deserving a star.