Duke Blue Devils basketball star gets surge of interest from Hornets, Jazz within NBA draft’s top five picks

As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, all eyes are on the premier prospects set to make the leap from college to the professional ranks. Among them, Duke University’s basketball star Cooper Flagg has emerged as one of the most electrifying and promising talents in the draft class. His unique combination of size, skill, and versatility has NBA teams buzzing, with the Charlotte Hornets and Utah Jazz reportedly showing heightened interest in securing his services with a top-five pick.

This article explores the reasons behind the surge of interest from these two franchises, what makes Flagg such a coveted prospect, and the potential fit scenarios if either the Hornets or Jazz selects him in the early lottery. We also analyze how this draft positioning could impact both Flagg’s future and the direction of the franchises.

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## Cooper Flagg: Profile of a Blue Devils Sensation

### Physical Attributes and Playing Style

Standing at approximately 6-foot-8 with a wingspan that stretches near 7 feet, Cooper Flagg is the archetype of the modern NBA forward — a blend of size, agility, and skill. His ability to handle the ball like a guard, shoot from range, defend multiple positions, and facilitate offense puts him in the elite category of versatile forwards.

* **Strengths:** Defensive versatility, high basketball IQ, shooting, playmaking, athleticism.
* **Weaknesses:** Limited NBA experience and still refining his scoring consistency.
* **Potential:** Franchise cornerstone with superstar upside.

### College Performance

At Duke, Flagg’s freshman season was a showcase of his talent. Averaging solid numbers across points, rebounds, assists, and defensive stats, he displayed poise beyond his years. His on-court vision and defensive instincts quickly made him a focal point for opponents, but he consistently rose to the challenge.

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## Why the Charlotte Hornets Are Interested

### The Hornets’ Current Situation

Charlotte finds itself in a pivotal rebuilding phase. With young stars like LaMelo Ball leading the team, the Hornets need versatile two-way players to complement their core and elevate their competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.

### Flagg’s Fit in Charlotte

* **Defensive Upgrade:** Flagg’s ability to guard multiple positions aligns perfectly with the Hornets’ defensive needs.
* **Offensive Support:** Adding a playmaking forward can relieve LaMelo Ball of some offensive pressure.
* **Cultural Fit:** Charlotte values players with high basketball IQ and maturity, traits Flagg has exhibited at Duke.

### Front Office and Coaching Perspective

Hornets General Manager Mitch Kupchak and head coach Steve Clifford are known for emphasizing defense and versatility. Flagg’s style meshes well with their vision of a modern, switch-heavy defense and fluid offense.

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## Utah Jazz’s Surge of Interest

### Jazz’s Team Building Strategy

The Utah Jazz have undergone roster transitions recently, focusing on developing young talent while maintaining competitive defense and discipline. They seek multi-positional players who can contribute on both ends of the floor.

### Why Flagg Appeals to Utah

* **Two-Way Potential:** Flagg’s defense and playmaking fit Utah’s preference for balanced players.
* **Veteran Mentorship:** Surrounded by seasoned veterans, Flagg could develop quickly under coach Will Hardy’s tutelage.
* **Market and Fit:** Utah’s system rewards players who are team-oriented and intelligent, which aligns with Flagg’s profile.

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## The Draft Landscape: Top Five Picks and Flagg’s Positioning

### The 2025 Draft Class Overview

The 2025 draft class is deep with talent, but few match Flagg’s unique skill set. The top five picks will likely be in contention for players who can contribute immediately, and Flagg’s versatility places him near the top of many draft boards.

### Possible Draft Scenarios

* **Hornets Pick 3:** Charlotte could draft Flagg to build around LaMelo Ball.
* **Jazz Pick 5:** Utah may see Flagg as a cornerstone to complement their evolving core.
* **Trade Possibilities:** Given the fluid nature of the lottery, trades involving these picks could also determine Flagg’s destination.

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## Projected Impact on the Hornets

### Short-Term Expectations

Immediate defensive intensity and flexibility in the wing positions.

### Long-Term Potential

A franchise cornerstone who can grow into a primary scorer and playmaker alongside LaMelo Ball.

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## Projected Impact on the Jazz

### Short-Term Expectations

Contribution on defense and facilitating ball movement in a structured offense.

### Long-Term Potential

A multi-faceted star who can elevate Utah’s competitiveness in the Western Conference.

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## How Flagg’s NBA Draft Surge Reflects Broader Trends

### Emphasis on Versatility

NBA teams increasingly prioritize players who can guard multiple positions and create offense in various ways.

### Growing Value of Defensive Skills

Players like Flagg who can defend at a high level while contributing offensively are premium assets.

### Role of College Performance and Intangibles

Flagg’s maturity, leadership, and basketball IQ give him an edge beyond raw athleticism.

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## Challenges Flagg May Face Transitioning to the NBA

* **Adjusting to NBA Speed:** The pace and physicality require adaptation.
* **Consistency:** Developing a reliable scoring game.
* **Injury Prevention:** Maintaining durability through a long NBA season.

Cooper Flagg’s surge of interest from the Charlotte Hornets and Utah Jazz underscores his status as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft. His versatile skill set and mature approach to the game make him an attractive choice for franchises looking to build around a foundational player.

Whether in Charlotte or Utah, Flagg has the tools and potential to become a transformative figure and help usher in a new era for whichever team drafts him within the top five. As the draft day nears, all eyes will be on how these teams maneuver to secure this remarkable talent and how Flagg’s NBA journey will unfold.