2025 NBA Draft Order Odds: Top 5 projected lottery teams after Cooper Flagg announces decision

Duke's Cooper Flagg has officially announced his entry to the 2025 NBA Draft after just one season at Durham. Flagg is the consensus first pick in this year's draft over other prospects such as Rutgers' Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, as well as Baylor's V.J. Edgecombe.

While 16 NBA teams focus on the playoffs, the remaining 14 will hope for the best in the upcoming lottery on May 12. Teams like the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets have the advantage after finishing with three of the worst records in the league.

But what are the top five teams with the best chances of landing the coveted Cooper Flagg pick?

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Top 5 projected lottery teams after Cooper Flagg announces decision

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#1 - Utah Jazz (14.0% odds)

Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz. (Photo: IMAGN)

The Utah Jazz finished with the worst record in the NBA at 17-65. However, they are tied with two other teams with odds of 14.0% to land the number one pick. The league changed the lottery rules in 2019, giving three of the worst teams the same odds.

Out of the three worst teams in the NBA this season, the Jazz might be the most favorable destination for Cooper Flagg. They have competent ownership and front office, along with a good mix of young players, such as Isaiah Collier, Keyonte George and Walker Kessler, and veterans like Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson.

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#2 - Washington Wizards (14.0% odds)

Kyshawn George and Jordan Poole of the Washington Wizards (Photo: IMAGN)

For the second consecutive season, the Washington Wizards failed to reach 20 wins. They might not be the best landing spot for Cooper Flagg, who needs an environment he can thrive in. Brian Keefe hasn't had a chance to coach a real team and adding a player of Flagg's caliber might be too much for him.

One positive for the Wizards is their young crop of players, such as Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr and AJ Johnson, who showed a lot of fight this season. Jordan Poole is still with the team and is relatively young but might not fit into their plans moving forward.

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#3 - Charlotte Hornets (14.0% odds)

LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller of the Charlotte Hornets. (Photo: IMAGN)

In terms of proximity to Duke, the Charlotte Hornets might be the best team for Cooper Flagg. Charlotte is around two hours away from Durham, so there won't be a lot of adjustments in terms of moving out of state. They also have a good coach in Charles Lee, but the roster seems flawed.

LaMelo Ball has franchise-level talent, but injuries and a drive to be great seem to be holding him back. Brandon Miller has justified being selected second last year, though injuries also halted his sophomore year. Mark Williams also has potential, but just like Ball and Miller, there are question marks about his long-term health.

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#4 - New Orleans Pelicans (12.5% odds)

Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum of the New Orleans Pelicans. (Photo: IMAGN)

The New Orleans Pelicans were so unlucky with injuries this season that they barely won 20 games. The Pelicans acquired Dejounte Murray in the offseason, but he barely played together with Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson. They also traded Brandon Ingram and barely got a good return.

However, the Pelicans are going for a fresh start after firing executive vice president David Griffin. Coach Willie Green seems to be returning, but the lottery could dictate what they do next. Nabbing Cooper Flagg will likely trigger a Zion trade this season, focusing on building around the 18-year-old forward.

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#5 - Philadelphia 76ers (10.5% odds)

Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers. (Photo: IMAGN)

The Philadelphia 76ers had high hopes of making a championship run this season after signing Paul George to a four-year max contract. However, Joel Embiid never got fully healthy, George looked past his prime and Tyrese Maxey was bit by the injury bug.

The silver lining for the Sixers is that they have the fifth-best odds to get the first pick in this year's draft. While getting Cooper Flagg will be a bonus, they would be happy to get a Top 6 selection since the OKC Thunder will get the pick if it goes seventh or higher.