2025 NBA Draft: Cooper Flagg’s Declaration Sparks Lottery Excitement

CHICAGO, Ill. — With the NBA Draft Lottery rapidly approaching, excitement builds as Cooper Flagg officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft on Monday.

The 6-foot-9 freshman from Newport, Maine, announced his decision after guiding the Duke Blue Devils to a 35-4 season, ultimately falling short in the Final Four. Flagg is projected to be the top pick in the upcoming draft, which will take place on June 25.

Flagg, who won five player of the year awards during the season, expressed gratitude for his time at Duke, stating, “It was an incredible year, probably the best year of my life. I have so much gratitude. I feel so blessed for all the opportunities that I was given.”

Following the conclusion of the NBA regular season, team standings for the draft were largely determined, with the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets holding the best odds—each possessing a 14% chance to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the lottery set for May 12.

The order for the draft was influenced by the outcomes of the Play-In Tournament, with several teams still vying for playoff positions. The Jazz, Wizards, and Hornets are set to share these lottery odds, while tiebreakers will be determined through random drawings.

Flagg’s unexpected announcement has intensified interest in the lottery, as teams scramble to build their futures around emerging talent. His performance this season, highlighted by averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, has positioned him as a generational talent. Duke fans and NBA analysts alike eagerly await the lottery result, knowing that Flagg’s selection could shape the future of whichever team secures the No. 1 pick.

Additionally, Duke’s Kon Knueppel has also declared for the NBA Draft, further shifting the focus onto Flagg’s future. The likelihood that Flagg could become the first player from Maine to be drafted first overall adds to the anticipation surrounding the upcoming draft.

“I’d feel completely blessed and honored to play for any team,” Flagg shared, which resonated with many fans who are showing their support regardless of which franchise wins the lottery.

The upcoming NBA Draft Lottery will set the stage for what promises to be a transformative draft, not only for teams looking to rebuild but also for a crop of talented players eager to make their mark in the league. Fans now look forward to May 12, not just to see who wins the lottery, but also to witness how Flagg’s journey from Maine to the professional stage unfolds.