NBA Lottery Could Shift Power Balance, Spotlight on Cooper Flagg

The NBA Draft lottery is set for Monday night, and while it only lasts a few minutes, it could alter the future of the league for years to come.

Thirteen teams—including 12 that missed the playoffs, plus the Houston Rockets thanks to a prior trade—will be watching closely as the bouncing ping pong balls decide where they’ll be selecting in the NBA Draft on June 25.

The stakes? Monumental. The prize? Cooper Flagg.

In a class with several question marks, Flagg, the former Duke star and projected No. 1 overall pick, is the only sure thing—an explosive, two-way forward who already looks ready to contribute on both ends of the NBA floor. That kind of talent doesn’t just change a team—it can change a franchise.

But as history has shown, the lottery rarely follows the script.

Just last year, the Atlanta Hawks had a mere 3.7% chance at the top pick. They beat the odds and selected Zaccharie Risacher. This time around, Utah, Washington and Charlotte each hold a 14% chance of landing the No. 1 selection. But nothing is guaranteed—not even the presumed second overall pick. And beyond Flagg, the dominoes can fall in any direction.

1. Beyond Flagg, It’s a Free-For-All

Dylan Harper, a crafty Rutgers guard with big-time scoring chops, is widely regarded as the second-best prospect. But that doesn’t mean he’ll go second overall.

If the Wizards land there, he fits like a glove. Harper would slide in as a primary ball-handler and form a potentially electric young core with Carlton “Bub” Carrington, Alex Sarr, and Kyshawn George. The Brooklyn Nets, who haven’t had a foundational pick in years, would happily take him too—assuming they jump up from their 9% chance.

But not everyone would be so eager. The Utah Jazz, with a glut of young ball-dominant guards, might lean toward Harper’s Rutgers teammate, Ace Bailey. Meanwhile, teams like Philadelphia or Charlotte—already stocked at guard—might look elsewhere entirely.

Bottom line? After Flagg, it’s guesswork.

2. Thunder Lurking as Sixers Hold Their Breath

For most of the season, Philadelphia had no business even thinking about the draft lottery. Then Joel Embiid’s knee didn’t cooperate, and Tyrese Maxey’s finger injury followed. The 76ers, realizing their first-round pick only conveys to the Oklahoma City Thunder if it falls outside the top six, shifted into damage-control mode. Translation: they shut it down.

It worked—kind of. The Sixers lost 58 games and finished with the fifth-worst record. That gives them a 42% chance of holding onto their pick.

But if two teams behind them jump ahead in the lottery order? That pick heads to Oklahoma City, where Sam Presti’s war chest of draft capital gets even deeper. For a team that already clinched the West’s No. 1 seed, that’s a dangerous luxury.

The Thunder could end up with both playoff experience and a high-end lottery pick. For Sixers fans, losing the pick would be a gut punch to an already derailed season.

3. Flagg and Wemby? The Spurs’ Dream is Alive

The San Antonio Spurs enter Monday night with a 6.0% shot at the top pick. Not great—but better than Atlanta’s chances a year ago.

And if they do land the No. 1 pick, get ready for the NBA’s next great superteam in the making.

Cooper Flagg next to Victor Wembanyama, with Stephon Castle in the mix? That’s a scary young trio. Suddenly, the Spurs would go from patient rebuild to playoff contention. Add in their second lottery pick—yes, they have two—and San Antonio might have the ammo to enter trade conversations for big names, including (whispers) Giannis Antetokounmpo.

4. Flagg’s Best Fit? Try Charlotte

Assuming one of the bottom-three teams wins the lottery, the Charlotte Hornets may actually be the best landing spot for Flagg.

Flagg wouldn’t have to be the offensive hub right away, thanks to LaMelo Ball’s passing brilliance and Brandon Miller’s scoring touch. He’d be the elite defender and athletic slasher Charlotte desperately needs. It also wouldn’t hurt that he played at Duke—keeping him close to home and likely easing the transition to the pros.

In Utah or Washington, Flagg would be asked to carry a massive load. In Charlotte, he’d complement what’s already in place. A cleaner fit. A better launchpad.

5. Phoenix’s Pain is Houston’s Gain

Suns fans, look away.

Monday’s lottery will be a cruel reminder of what Phoenix gave up in the Kevin Durant deal. Their 2025 first-rounder belongs to the Rockets, regardless of where it lands. And with the Suns finishing 36-46—good enough for a lottery spot—it’s entirely possible Houston walks away with a top-10 pick. Maybe even top-three.

The Rockets, who just finished second in the West, could add yet another blue-chip talent to a roster loaded with ascending stars. There’s even a 3.8% chance they snag the No. 1 overall pick and pair Flagg with Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.

Now that would be unfair.

The ping pong balls will bounce, and the NBA landscape could shift in seconds. A team could find its savior. Another could lose the pick it fought all season to keep. For everyone involved—from the front offices to the fans—Monday night brings hope, heartbreak, and a whole lot of nerves.

It’s the NBA Draft lottery. And if last year taught us anything, expect the unexpected.