In the last two NBA Drafts, players from France have been selected as the No. 1 pick – Victor Wembanyama in 2023 and Zaccharie Risacher in 2024. However, this trend is expected to end next year with American player Cooper Flagg being projected as the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg, a one-and-done star at Duke University, has been a standout at both high school and grassroots levels for years and is considered a top prospect for the upcoming draft. His talent and versatility make him a likely candidate for the first overall selection.
While things can change between now and next June, Flagg’s skills make it difficult to imagine anyone surpassing him at the top of draft boards. His potential impact at Duke and in college basketball could solidify his position as the top pick. The current preseason rankings place Duke ninth in the nation, indicating how strong their team is with Flagg on board. With tanking for a top pick being less of a sure strategy due to flattened lottery odds, teams may still vie for Flagg’s services using social media campaigns such as #TankForFlagg.
This draft projection does not take into account team needs but rather focuses on big board rankings. The order reflects last season’s lottery odds but should be seen as a prediction for the upcoming NBA season only if there are significant changes before then. Nonetheless, Cooper Flagg’s talent and potential make him an exciting prospect to watch as we approach the 2025 NBA Draft.
