2025 NBA Draft makes single-file line behind No. 1 Cooper Flagg
Tue Jun 24 1:28pm ET
Field Level Media
A whirlwind four months for the Dallas Mavericks begins anew Wednesday with the launch of the Cooper Flagg era.
The draft lottery in May turned into an unexpected gift for the Mavericks when they jumped the line of teams with the NBA's worst records. Against the odds, they went from the playoff play-in tournament to the top of the 2025 draft.
Embattled Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, and a fan base miffed by the decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers midseason, found immediate optimism.
Not only was there a direct path to land Flagg, his arrival would make him a team centerpiece along with center Anthony Davis, who was acquired from the Lakers in the Doncic deal. Point guard and former Duke product Kyrie Irving is on the mend from a torn ACL, giving Dallas three No. 1 overall selections at the core of its roster.
Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward with franchise-altering skill and qualities, is only 18 but often looked like a man among boys in guiding Duke to the Final Four. A combo-forward with ball skills, positional size and boundless versatility, Flagg slots in to a menacing frontline next to Davis and Dereck Lively II, another Duke product.
Flagg was the Wooden Player of the Year in his only college season, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game for the Blue Devils.
"Cooper has the kind of talent that can elevate a franchise," Duke coach Jon Scheyer said of Flagg's NBA potential.
Flagg left Davis and other U.S. Olympic team members with a strong impression during scrimmages with the team last summer. One of the players raving about Flagg was LeBron James, who said this week on the "Mind the Game" podcast that Flagg couldn't have picked a better situation to start his NBA career.
"A guy that can do so many different things out on the floor. Can play with the ball, can play without the ball. His jump shot is going to continue to get better. Super athletic, quick second jump," James said. "And also, he has the benefit, unlike myself, he gets to join a team that's established with Hall of Fame guys -- Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving -- right off the bat. Hall of Fame coach, Jason Kidd.
"You know, these guys ... can give him the whole blueprint while he continues to learn what his blueprint will be. And I think that will be an incredible thing to have that type of presence, that type of leadership, that type of just basketball IQ and knowledge around him every single day from those pieces. So, I think he's going to be amazing."
San Antonio had only a 6.3 percent chance of a top two selection when the draft lottery took place but the Spurs also beat the odds. San Antonio has lived in the draft lottery for several years and have hit more often than they've missed with Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Jeremy Sochan selected in the top 10 since 2022.
Rutgers guard Dylan Harper is a favorite to wind up as the next piece of the puzzle in the San Antonio rebuild over in-state option V.J. Edgecombe, who starred in his only season at Baylor and appears destined to play for the Philadelphia 76ers.
"His length is crazy, and I don't think you can undervalue how important length and athleticism are in the NBA. He's strong, really has a great court sense," ESPN analyst Jay Bilas said of Harper. "In my view, he's the second-best prospect in this draft. He's a clear choice after Cooper Flagg for the Spurs."
Either team could be prepared to pull a surprise and commit to another Rutgers product in Ace Bailey, who has raised criticism and concern by refusing to work out in traditional pre-draft sessions.
76ers forward Paul George said this week Bailey is putting his future on the line and taking a senseless risk in trying to dictate his landing spot in the draft.
"You're not in a position to be making those commands. Make it to the league first," George said of Bailey's decision not to work out for teams.
Flagg's college teammates and fellow freshmen at Duke, sharpshooter Kon Knueppel and 7-footer Khaman Maluach, are likely to find homes in the lottery with two freshman point guards and Texas wildcard Tre Johnson figuring prominently in the top-10 conversation.
Illinois' Kasparas Jakucionis and Oklahoma's Jeremiah Fears are natural scorers with playmaking skills attractive to the Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards, who select Nos. 4, 5 and 6, respectively .
New Orleans has the seventh pick with the Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns rounding out the top 10.
Portland (11th), the Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks and a second pick for the Spurs complete the lottery (non-playoff) picks.
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According to Farbod Esnaashari of Sports Illustrated, guard Bennedict Mathurin will make his Los Angeles Clippers debut against Houston on Tuesday. The 23-year-old was acquired from Indiana at the trade deadline. Mathurin is expected to have a significant role with his new club, playing alongside Kawhi Leonard. He's averaged 17.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 31.8 minutes across 28 outings so far this season.
On Monday, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports that Indiana Pacers forward/guard Johnny Furphy (knee) will miss the remainder of the season due to sustaining a torn right ACL. Across 31 outings, the 21-year-old averaged 5.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.7 three-pointers in 18.4 minutes per game. Now that Furphy is out for the forseeable future, Ben Sheppard and Quenton Jackson will be relied upon to take on expanded roles.
Orlando Magic Franz Wagner (ankle) is set to suit up Monday against the Milwaukee Bucks. The 29-year-old has missed nine consecutive contests due to a sprained left ankle. In his return, Wagner will probably play less than the 32.8 minutes he's averaged this campaign. Anthony Black could continue to see an expanded role this evening, giving fantasy managers a solid option until Wagner is ready to take on his regular workload.
Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) is available for Monday's matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Ayton missed Saturday's 105-99 win over Golden State due to a sore right knee. However, he has been cleared to play against the defending champions. With Ayton back in action, big men Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber's minutes could be significantly reduced during tonight's contest.
Sacramento Kings forward Doug McDermott (shoulder) is active for Monday's matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans. McDermott will play through right shoulder soreness and will come off the bench. The 34-year-old veteran forward has seen action in just nine games this season while averaging 9.3 minutes per contest. Still, during tonight's tilt, he could get extended minutes as Zach LaVine (finger) and Malik Monk (illness) are both sidelined.
Sacramento Kings forward/center Domantas Sabonis (back) will not play against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, marking his third consecutive missed contest due to a back injury. With Sabonis sidelined, Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell are expected to take on expanded roles. Raynaud should continue to serve as Sabonis' replacement in the starting lineup, while Cardwell is coming off a strong showing, posting a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double against Cleveland on Saturday. Given New Orleans' bottom-six ranking in fantasy points allowed to centers, both rookie big men are in a favorable spot to deliver streaming value Monday night.
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (knee) is listed as questionable for Monday against Philadelphia after sitting out Saturday due to injury management. The matchup is not part of a back-to-back, improving his chances to return, though availability remains uncertain. Williams has been productive when active, averaging 9.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks across 19.3 minutes over his last five games while shooting 91.7 percent from the field. If he sits, Donovan Clingan should see heavier minutes, with Yang Hansen next in line. Williams is a high-upside hold despite the risk.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Jaylon Tyson (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game in Denver after suffering a left ankle sprain, putting his Ironman stretch since mid-November at risk. If Tyson sits, Cleveland would likely redistribute wing minutes to Sam Merrill and Keon Ellis, though neither projects for a major usage spike. The bulk of the offensive load should continue to funnel through Donovan Mitchell and newly acquired veteran James Harden. Tyson logged 10 points and six rebounds in his last outing and remains a hold in deeper formats, but his short-term value hinges on availability.
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward Cedric Coward (shoulder) is not listed on the injury report for Monday against Golden State after missing Saturday, indicating he has been cleared to return. His availability likely sends Jahmai Mashack back to a reserve role after Mashack logged 30 minutes with 8 points, two three-pointers, one rebound, one assist, and six steals. Coward had been trending up before the injury and now looks like a long-term hold, especially with Memphis' season tilting toward development and Ja Morant (elbow) still sidelined. Usage and minutes should remain stable.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (hamstring) is listed as probable for Monday against Philadelphia after sitting out Saturday as part of injury management. If cleared, Henderson should step back into a featured role with Portland short-handed. In his return last game, he logged 21 minutes with 11 points, five rebounds, nine assists, two three-pointers, one steal, and five turnovers while shooting 40 percent from the field. With Shaedon Sharpe (calf) out and Deni Avdija (back) questionable, playmaking volume should remain elevated, making Henderson a strong assists-focused play despite efficiency risk.
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Santi Aldama (knee) will remain sidelined Monday against Golden State, marking a third straight absence as he continues to manage a right knee issue. Memphis is short-handed up front, keeping rotation minutes available. Kyle Anderson filled the void last game with 11 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks, while Olivier-Maxence Prosper delivered a spike performance with 25 points, five rebounds, and seven three-pointers in 25 minutes. Both remain volatile fantasy plays, but opportunity should persist as long as Aldama is out.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) has been ruled out for Monday's matchup against the Lakers, extending his absence to nine straight games as he continues to work back from an abdominal strain. His return window remains uncertain, with Wednesday the earliest possibility. The continued absence keeps rotation minutes and usage available, especially with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) also sidelined. Cason Wallace led the way last game with 23 points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals in 34 minutes. Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins remain viable streamers, while newcomer Jared McCain remains buried in a crowded guard and wing rotation.
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Shaedon Sharpe (calf) will miss a second straight game Monday against Philadelphia with left calf soreness. The absence keeps wing minutes available, with Vit Krejci and Sidy Cissoko positioned to benefit. In the last game, Cissoko logged 33 minutes with seven points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Krejci posted 10 points, three rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two three-pointers in 26 minutes. Both profile as short-term streamers in deeper formats, while Sharpe should be held in most fantasy formats until he returns. Deni Avdija's (back) status also bears monitoring.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) will return to action in Monday's marquee matchup against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. The 2025 All-Star hasn't played since Jan. 17 due to a right hamstring strain. Williams has also missed time this season due to wrist surgery, appearing in only 24 games. He has averaged 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in 29.6 minutes per game. Because of his lengthy absence, Williams might carry a minute limit on Monday night. Still, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) out of commission, Williams will be expected to do a lot of work on the offensive end.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (back) might be out for a fifth consecutive game on Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers, as he has been listed as questionable on the injury report. Avdija is having trouble shaking off a back issue, which has limited him to only four appearances since mid-January. In Avdija's absence, Jerami Grant has moved back into the first unit, scoring a game-high 29 points in Saturday's win over Memphis. Sidy Cissoko, who tallied seven points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and two steals on Saturday, also has more fantasy appeal with Avdija on the shelf.
Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (knee) won't play against the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. He has been ruled out for the game due to right knee tendinitis. Porter Jr.'s absence creates an intriguing situation, as he leads the Nets in scoring with 25.0 points per game. The rest of the squad must pick up the slack on the offensive end. Meanwhile, Danny Wolf is poised to replace Porter Jr. in the starting lineup, having regularly filled in for him in the past. Wolf averages 10.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists as a starter.
Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (knee) will sit out a fourth consecutive game on Monday versus the Memphis Grizzlies. There's no clear timetable for Curry's return, but it seems likely he'll remain out through the All-Star break. On Saturday, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told reporters there's a "good chance" Curry won't play before the break. With Curry out, Pat Spencer operates as Golden State's starting point guard. There have also recently been starting roles for De'Anthony Melton and Gui Santos, while Brandin Podziemski has been tasked with providing a spark off the bench.
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) has been listed as out for Monday's clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He will miss a second consecutive game due to a left calf strain. After Saturday's win over Golden State, Lakers head coach JJ Redick labeled Doncic day-to-day, so he shouldn't be out for long. However, the Lakers have three games in four nights scheduled and will be cautious with Doncic to prevent any further injury. Without Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves have to do more on the offensive end, while Rui Hachimura joined the first unit on Saturday.
Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) is listed as probable for Monday's matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Ayton missed Saturday's win over Golden State due to a sore right knee and was labeled day-to-day by Lakers head coach JJ Redick. However, he appears on track to return against the defending champions. This is a rough spot for Ayton against Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren. Ayton managed only six points and five rebounds when these teams locked horns for the first time this season on Nov. 12. Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber will lose minutes with Ayton's return.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) remains on the injury report with a questionable tag for Monday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. He shook off the questionable tag on Saturday, putting in a 33-point effort against the Phoenix Suns. Since Embiid has played regularly in recent weeks and there's no back-to-back on the schedule, it appears likely that the 2023 MVP will suit up. However, if he isn't ready to play, the usual suspects, Andre Drummond and Adem Bona, will take care of the minutes at the No. 5 spot. At the same time, Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre Jr., and VJ Edgecombe would have more offensive responsibilities.
