Cooper Flagg and the Billion Dollar Bounce

By: Caleb Boyd

April 25th, 2025

Photo Credit: WMTW

As the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery approaches, the basketball world is buzzing about one player in particular: Duke’s Cooper Flagg. Heralded as a generational talent by some, he is a near lock to be the top overall selection; the only question that remains is by which team.

The lottery serves as a pivotal opportunity for rebuilding teams to acquire top talent. The Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets are the frontrunners to land him, all three teams having a 14% chance of winning the lottery, taking place in Chicago on May 12. It is also worth noting that the winner could very well be a team that is not mentioned here. Just last year, the Atlanta Hawks won the lottery with the 10th best odds, showing that anything is possible.

This year more than others, winning the lottery serves as a tremendous business opportunity for the team lucky enough to take the future first overall pick. Flagg alone carries significant financial implications, including ticket sales, sponsorships, and overall franchise valuation. If Flagg is truly able to reach his potential, you’re talking about a legitimate superstar with the appeal to attract tremendous talent wherever he resides. That is truly what is on the line this year.

On the court, Flagg showed the ability to back up the hype that he has received. As a true freshman, he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game, he led the way for a Duke Blue Devils team that made it to the Final Four, earning the John R. Wooden Player of the Year award on top of everything. His versatility, basketball IQ and leadership has put him in talks with some elite NBA players, with many scouts saying that he would have even been the first overall pick in last year’s draft. That is extremely high praise for a player that will likely play his first NBA game before his 19th birthday.

As the NBA Draft Lottery looms, all eyes will be on Cooper Flagg and what he does next. This move will not only influence whatever team he goes to, but also the broader NBA landscape and overall competitive balance within the league. But more than that, however, is the role that business plays throughout all of this. His name carries weight and has millions of dollars attached to it, so aspiring NBA teams must take note of this. He is more than an athlete; he is the potential face of the next generation of athletes that are major stakeholders within the sports industry.