NBA Draft Analyst Discusses Cooper Flagg’s Potential Fit with the 76ers
If the Philadelphia 76ers secure the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, they’ll likely be selecting Cooper Flagg, a top prospect from Duke.
Unlike last year’s draft lottery, where the outcome was much more unpredictable, the basketball world is already anticipating Flagg as the potential No. 1 overall pick. While the Sixers don’t have the best odds of landing him, they still have a shot. With some luck on lottery night, they could be in a favorable position, as they’ve been considered one of the luckier teams historically, according to various metrics.
As of now, the Sixers hold a 10.5 percent chance of landing the top pick, which would allow them to add one of the most highly regarded names in recent college basketball history.
Leading up to the draft, The Athletic’s NBA Draft analyst, Sam Vecenie, explained how Flagg could fit into the Sixers’ roster, which still boasts an intriguing core.
NBA Draft Analyst Sees Flagg as a Strong Fit for the 76ers
Vecenie believes Flagg could be exactly what the Sixers need: “It’s hard to overstate how much Flagg would fill a crucial role for this roster,” he said. “The team already has a strong backcourt with young stars Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, both excellent scorers under 25. They’ve also added a valuable wing in Quentin Grimes, assuming they can retain him. Paul George is expected to stay with Philly for a couple of years, provided he bounces back from a tough season. However, Joel Embiid’s health remains a lingering concern for the organization.”
“Flagg fits perfectly into their potential long-term starting lineup as a versatile playmaking forward with size, ball-handling skills, and elite defensive capabilities. Even more importantly, he gives the team a potential pivot away from the Embiid era if they choose to go in a new direction.”
Since his high school days, Flagg has been seen as a future No. 1 pick, and his performance at Duke has confirmed that expectation. As a freshman, he started 37 games, averaging 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block per game. He shot 48 percent from the field and 39 percent from beyond the arc on four attempts per game, showcasing his well-rounded game.
The Sixers’ Changing Approach and Future Plans
Under general manager Daryl Morey, the Sixers initially leaned on veteran players for a “win-now” mentality. However, the front office has since recognized that relying on aging veterans who are often injured was a mistake during the 2024-2025 roster-building process.
While the experienced core of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George will likely remain, the team is shifting its focus to younger talent. Flagg—or any other top-five pick—could play a significant role in the 2025-2026 season, bringing much-needed youth and energy to the squad.
As the lottery approaches, the Sixers have a 10.5 percent chance of landing the No. 1 pick, the same odds they have for picks 2 and 4. The No. 3 pick has a slight edge at 10.6 percent, while the No. 5 pick sits at 2.2 percent. If they don’t land in the top six, the Sixers will owe their pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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