As the NBA world turns its focus to the 2025 Draft Lottery, one name dominates every conversation: Cooper Flagg. The Duke sensation is widely projected to go No. 1 overall, and with multiple teams vying for the top spot, the Brooklyn Nets are positioning themselves for a potential franchise reset.
On Sunday, the Nets announced via X that head coach Jordi Fernández will serve as their official representative at the lottery in Chicago. It’s a move that speaks volumes, not just about their draft hopes, but also their trust in Fernández as the face of the franchise’s future.
“See you in Chicago, Coach,” the team wrote, sharing an image of Fernández ahead of Monday night’s pivotal moment.
From former superteam to fresh start
It wasn’t long ago that the Nets were considered title favorites, thanks to the star-studded trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. But that experiment fell apart quickly. Since the 2020-21 season, when injuries and chemistry issues derailed a championship run, Brooklyn has failed to win a single playoff series.
The fallout from that era has left the franchise in search of a new identity, and a player to build around. That’s where Flagg comes in.
Flagg could be the game-changer
At just 18, Cooper Flagg is already being hailed as one of the most complete forward prospects in recent memory. Standing 6-foot-9 with elite two-way skills, he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in his freshman year at Duke. He also took home the Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year award, cementing his place as the likely top pick.
Brooklyn currently holds 9% odds of landing the No. 1 selection, less than Utah, Washington, and Charlotte, who each sit at 14%, but still within striking distance. And if the lottery balls bounce their way, Flagg could be wearing a Nets jersey come June.
All eyes on Monday night
The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery will be held Monday at 7 p.m. ET in Chicago. With Jordi Fernández leading Brooklyn’s charge and Cooper Flagg waiting in the wings, the next chapter in Nets history could be just one lucky draw away.
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