By Matija Šerić
After the end of each NBA season, teams and fans don’t immediately head off on vacation, as the exciting NBA Draft follows right after. The recruitment of young players who will compete in the world’s strongest basketball league is an intriguing blend of sports expertise and predicting the future. General managers, team owners, coaches, and scouts must be excellent basketball experts, but they also need a dose of Nostradamus within them to foresee how a young, talented player will adjust to the NBA. It’s anything but an easy job.
Searching for the Next Superstar
Even people who don’t usually follow basketball closely tune into the draft, whether out of betting interest or curiosity. The broader public wants to know who might become the next LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Dirk Nowitzki, or Scottie Pippen. This widespread interest is unsurprising, given that the draft shapes the NBA’s landscape for seasons to come. One quality talent can rejuvenate a mediocre team (for example, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003), while a struggling, talented player can plunge a team into crisis (for example, Anthony Bennett and the Cavs in 2013). It’s no wonder that every franchise is looking to find the next LeBron while avoiding the next Bennett.
This year’s draft, the 79th in NBA history, was particularly interesting. It was held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on June 25 and 26, with one round each day. A total of 59 young players were selected instead of the usual 60, as the New York Knicks lost their second-round pick due to violating free-agent rules in 2022 when they signed point guard Jalen Brunson.
Dallas Wins the “Act of God” Lottery
The Dallas Mavericks sensationally won the first pick in the draft lottery despite having only a 1.8 percent chance. The Mavs secured the top pick after a coin flip gave them a better starting position than the Chicago Bulls, who had the same 39-43 record as Dallas. Some would say the universe rewarded the Mavs after the franchise, led by owner Patrick Dumont and GM Nico Harrison, decided in February to trade Luka Dončić to the LA Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. So far, that trade hasn’t brought much positive change for Dallas. However, things might turn around now that they had the chance to pick first among emerging talents.
Cooper Flagg – The First Pick of the Draft
They chose 18-year-old small forward Cooper Flagg from Duke University, a decision that surprised almost no one. Nearly every team would have taken Flagg first. Looking at his development so far, Flagg could become a major player. Standing 6’8” (2.03 m) and weighing 205 pounds (93 kg), he is one of the most promising draft prospects in the past decade. He is a complete player, equally effective on offense and defense. His blend of impressive skills and high basketball IQ allows him to maintain his level in high-pressure moments when games are on the line. Versatile, Flagg can play power forward, small forward, and shooting guard.
A Great Hope for the League
What truly sets Flagg apart from other rising stars is that he doesn’t require the roster to be built around him to function. Quite the opposite—Flagg fits seamlessly into any lineup, enhancing the team’s overall quality. His confident presence instills trust in teammates and allows them to perform at their best. He is destined to become a team leader, no matter which franchise he plays for. A significant advantage for Flagg is that he has been spared from serious injuries so far. Expectations are that Flagg will become a future superstar, regularly featured in the NBA’s All-NBA First Team. Flagg could replace Dončić as the leader in Dallas and, in terms of playing style, could become the next Kawhi Leonard, Jayson Tatum, or Kevin Garnett.
Dylan Harper – The Spurs’ Potential Savior?
The San Antonio Spurs had the second pick and selected 19-year-old Dylan Harper, a shooting guard/point guard from Rutgers University in New Jersey. Harper stands 6’6” (1.98 m) and weighs 215 pounds (98 kg). He is quite stocky for a guard but possesses excellent characteristics. He thrives under high pressure, frustrating opposing defenders, and has excellent court vision, pushing him toward being a playmaker. Harper is highly creative and enjoys taking tough shots, and he also plays great defense with relentless effort and energy.
His only potential weakness could be foul trouble if he becomes overly aggressive. If he learns to channel his aggression within the allowed limits, he is set for an excellent career. Additionally, he will need to improve his pull-up shooting, a crucial skill in today’s NBA. Harper has been compared to DeMar DeRozan and Jaylen Brown, with many predicting he will become an All-Star.
V. J. Edgecombe – The 76ers’ New Athletic Asset
With the third pick, the struggling Philadelphia 76ers, who finished last season with a 24-58 record, selected 19-year-old shooting guard V. J. Edgecombe from the Bahamas. Standing 6’4” (193 cm) and weighing 194 pounds (88 kg), Edgecombe is known for his athletic abilities, which are most evident on defense, where he troubles opposing shooters and is skilled at intercepting passes. Offensively, Edgecombe is an impatient shooter, often firing as soon as he catches the ball. However, he can hit precise moving three-pointers, a valuable trait, and excels in off-ball movement, knowing how to be in the right place at the right time.
His challenges include ball handling under pressure, and pull-up shots are not his strength, to put it mildly. Additionally, he lacks experience in pick-and-roll situations. Edgecombe has been compared to Klay Thompson.
Kon Knueppel – Excellent Shooter and Playmaker
The fourth pick went to 19-year-old Kon Knueppel from Duke University, selected by the Charlotte Hornets, who finished last season with a 19-63 record. Knueppel plays as a small forward and shooting guard. While many see him primarily as a shooter (he can score from virtually anywhere), he is a versatile player, an excellent passer, dribbler, and defender. Standing nearly 6’7” (2 meters), he is particularly valuable on defense, although his main drawback is his lack of speed on that end. Knueppel has the potential to become a key player for the Hornets. He has been compared to JJ Redick.
Ace Bailey
The fifth pick was Ace Bailey from Rutgers University, selected by the Utah Jazz. Only 18 years old, Bailey plays small forward and is a promising player who will require significant investment from the Jazz to further develop his game. Bailey will need to improve his adaptability and ability to play low to the ground, as well as strengthen his physique. Enhancing his ball-handling will also be crucial to improving his finishing. So far, he has not shown above-average shooting abilities.
