Winning the NBA Draft Lottery would give the Charlotte Hornets a rare and transformative opportunity: the chance to select Cooper Flagg, widely regarded as the consensus No. 1 prospect in the 2025 draft class.
Flagg just wrapped up an impressive freshman season at Duke, further solidifying his status as a future NBA star.
In a recent column for The Charlotte Observer, veteran columnist Scott Fowler makes the case for why Charlotte might be an ideal landing spot for the 18-year-old phenom – not only for the team but for Flagg himself.
While top picks often end up with struggling franchises, Fowler argues that Flagg’s connection to North Carolina – his family lived there while he was in college – could give him a sense of comfort and familiarity that few other destinations can offer.
More importantly, joining the Hornets could give the player the chance to forge his legacy, rather than stepping into the shadow of an already-established star or powerhouse franchise.
As Fowler puts it, Duke’s standout could become an icon in Charlotte, the centerpiece of a turnaround that finally lifts the team out of its long-standing struggles.
“Instead of joining a team with a history of success, Flagg could build something from the ground up – and become a hero for doing so,” Fowler suggests.
Charlotte currently holds the NBA’s longest active playoff drought, having last appeared in the postseason in 2016.
A player like Flagg could change that trajectory – and potentially reshape the franchise’s future for years to come.
Hornets Notes: Simpson, Wells, Salaün, Flagg, G. Williams https://t.co/Xl4xYsl4eA pic.twitter.com/DhDbocexXi
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 9, 2025
