Get ready for drama as Cooper Flagg expected to go No. 1 in NBA draft

Editor’s note: “Behind the News” is the product of Sun staff assisted by the Sun’s AI lab, which includes a variety of tools such as Anthropic’s Claude, Perplexity AI, Google Gemini and ChatGPT.

Cooper Flagg is projected to be selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks tonight in the 2025 NBA draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

What began as a modest affair in 1947 has evolved into a highly anticipated, two-round spectacle that captivates millions of viewers worldwide. The draft is at 5 p.m. and televised on ESPN [1][2][3].

Evolution of the NBA draft

The draft system has undergone significant changes since its inception, transforming from a simple selection process into a sophisticated event that shapes the future of basketball franchises.

A timeline of its development:

• 1947: The first NBA draft was held with a simple process where teams often signed players directly rather than through formal selection.
• 1966: Introduction of the coin flip system to determine the top pick between the worst teams in each division, adding fairness to the process.
• 1985: The NBA introduced the lottery system to discourage teams from intentionally losing games for better draft positions. Today’s lottery determines the order of the top 14 picks among non-playoff teams using a ping-pong ball machine for transparency.
• 1989: The draft was streamlined from sometimes 10-plus rounds to the current two-round format, making each pick significantly more valuable.

Television transformed the NBA draft from a procedural event into prime-time entertainment. First televised in 1980 on USA Network, the draft has since moved through TBS, TNT and now ESPN and ABC[5]. This coverage brought drama, live reactions and instant analysis that turned the draft into a major spectacle. The 2023 draft averaged a record 3.74 million viewers, with the first round on ABC drawing nearly 5 million viewers.

Notable draft history

Best all-time value picks:

Some of the NBA’s greatest players were selected outside the lottery, representing exceptional value:

• Nikola Jokić: Selected 41st overall in 2014, became a two-time MVP and NBA champion
• Manu Ginóbili: Picked 57th in 1999, became a four-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer
• Draymond Green: Chosen 35th in 2012, became a key component of the Warriors’ dynasty
• Kawhi Leonard: Selected 15th in 2011, became a two-time Finals MVP

Notable draft busts

Several top picks failed to meet expectations due to injuries or underperformance:

• Greg Oden (1st, 2007): Injuries limited his career to just 105 games
• Anthony Bennett (1st, 2013): Averaged just 4.4 points over four seasons
• Kwame Brown (1st, 2001): Struggled to live up to expectations as a high school draftee
• Darko Miličić (2nd, 2003): Selected ahead of future superstars Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh

UNLV’s No. 1 overall picks

UNLV has produced two No. 1 overall selections: Larry Johnson (1991) and Anthony Bennett (2013). Beyond these top picks, UNLV has contributed several other NBA players including Stacey Augmon, Greg Anthony and Armon Gilliam.

Other universities with multiple No. 1 picks

• Cincinnati: Oscar Robertson (1960), Kenyon Martin (2000)
• Duke: Art Heyman (1963), Elton Brand (1999), Kyrie Irving (2011), Zion Williamson (2019), Paolo Banchero (2022)
• Duquesne: Dick Ricketts (1955), Si Green (1956)
• Georgetown: Patrick Ewing (1985), Allen Iverson (1996)
• Houston: Elvin Hayes (1968), Hakeem Olajuwon (1984)
• Indiana: Walt Bellamy (1961), Kent Benson (1977)
• Kansas: DannyManning (1988), Andrew Wiggins (2014)
• Kansas State: Howie Shannon (1949), Bob Boozer (1959)
• Kentucky: John Wall (2010), Anthony Davis (2012), Karl-Anthony Towns (2015)
• LSU: Shaquille O’Neal (1992), Ben Simmons (2016)
• Maryland: John Lucas (1976), Joe Smith (1995)
• North Carolina: James Worthy (1982), Brad Daugherty (1986)
• Purdue: Joe Barry Carroll (1980), Glenn Robinson (1994)
• UCLA: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1969), Bill Walton (1974)
• Utah: Bill McGill (1962), Andrew Bogut (2005)
• West Virginia: Mark Workman (1952), Hot Rod Hundley (1957)

Why the NBA draft captivates millions

For young athletes, the draft represents a life-changing moment — the culmination of years of hard work and the start of their professional journey. For teams, it’s an opportunity to reshape their future, sometimes in a single pick, fueling hope that a new superstar or key contributor will lead them to success. The draft is one of the rare occasions when every team’s front office is intensely focused on improving their roster, often resulting in high-stakes trades, surprise picks and last-minute deals that can shift the league’s balance of power. Fans invest emotionally, especially when local heroes or hyped prospects are on the board, leading to unforgettable reactions.

Historic moments and cultural impact

• The Ewing lottery and conspiracy theories: The 1985 Draft, when the New York Knicks won the right to select Patrick Ewing, remains legendary — not just for the talent involved but for the drama and controversy it generated [7]. Fans in New York erupted in celebration, and conspiracy theories about the draft lottery’s integrity became part of NBA lore [8]. As former Atlanta Hawks GM Stan Kasten recalled about the 1985 Ewing lottery: “For all seven of us, the lottery had the scintillating, titillating prospect of changing your franchise for a generation” [8].
• Blockbuster trades: Draft day trades, like the 1993 deal that sent Chris Webber from Orlando to Golden State, can instantly reshape franchises and add another layer of excitement and unpredictability to the event [9].

Cooper Flagg: Star in the making?

Cooper Flagg, born Dec. 21, 2006, in Newport, Maine, is widely regarded as one of the most talented basketball prospects of his generation and the consensus No. 1 prospect for the 2025 NBA draft [4][6].

Background and early career:

Flagg first gained national attention at Nokomis Regional High School, where he became the first freshman ever to win Maine Gatorade Player of the Year, leading his team to a state title. He then transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida, a powerhouse prep program, where he continued to collect accolades, including the 2024 National High School Player of the Year and Mr. Basketball USA.

Duke career:

Flagg played one season at Duke University, immediately establishing himself as the team’s best player and one of the nation’s elite talents. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game, with impressive shooting splits (48% FG, 39% 3PT, 84% FT) over 37 games.

His freshman year was decorated with major awards: ACC Rookie of the Year, ACC All-Defensive Team and National College Player of the Year honors. Flagg led Duke to a Final Four appearance, further cementing his status as the top NBA prospect in his class.

Playing style and strengths:

The 6-foot-9 forward is known for his elite two-way impact. Defensively, he stands out for his versatility: he can protect the rim as a shot blocker, defend multiple positions on the perimeter, and consistently disrupt plays with his instincts and motor.

Offensively, Flagg is a dynamic scorer and playmaker. He can create his own shot, pass effectively, and step up in clutch situations. While not yet a fully polished offensive player, his rapid improvement and versatility make his upside immense. He is widely praised for his basketball IQ, competitiveness and leadership, with many viewing him as a future franchise cornerstone.

Notable sleeper prospects

• Noah Penda (Le Mans, France): A projected late first-round pick, Penda is noted for his versatility and ability to defend multiple positions. While his perimeter shooting is a question mark, his size, feel for the game and skill set make him a high-upside bench option for teams like the LA Clippers[11].
• Ben Saraf (Ratiopharm Ulm, Germany): A combo guard with scoring ability, Saraf is projected early in the second round and has drawn interest for his offensive versatility[11].
• Drake Powell (North Carolina): A wing with defensive upside and the ability to contribute on both ends, Powell is considered a sleeper due to his athleticism and skill set[11].
• Kam Jones (Marquette): Praised by college coaches for his smooth scoring and pick-and-roll play, Jones is seen as a potential backup guard who could stick in the league due to his toughness and offensive skills[12].
• Adou Thiero (Arkansas): An athletic wing with defensive potential, Thiero is drawing attention as a possible second-round steal[12].
• Yanic Konan Niederhauser (Penn State): A big man with intriguing upside, Niederhauser is another name to watch in the second round[12].
• Tyrese Proctor (Duke): Known for his mix of toughness, athleticism and offensive skill, Proctor could carve out a role as a backup point guard[12].
• Payton Sandfort (Iowa): An elite shooter with deep range, Sandfort could fill a specialist role similar to Duncan Robinson, though his defense is a concern[12].