Charlotte Hornets Eye Cooper Flagg in NBA Draft Lottery
As the NBA draft lottery approaches on May 12, excitement builds around the potential of Cooper Flagg, a star player from Maine, being the first overall pick. The Charlotte Hornets, who already have a strong connection to the Pine Tree State, may soon add the Newport native to their roster.
Flagg is the consensus top prospect in this year’s draft and could make history as the first Mainer selected first overall. With the Hornets among the teams holding a 14 percent chance of securing the number one pick, their connections to Maine make them a compelling candidate for Flagg’s future.
Gabe Plotkin, co-owner of the Hornets and a Portland native, has expressed keen interest in the prospect of drafting Flagg. Having led a majority purchase of the team last August, Plotkin noted in a recent interview, “If we’re in a position… it’d be an awesome thing.”
The team has not seen a successful season over the past two years, finishing near the bottom of the league. However, the opportunity to draft Flagg could serve as a silver lining.
Several members of the Hornets have ties to Maine, including assistant coach Josh Longstaff, also from Portland, and scout Nik Caner-Medley, who achieved prominence playing for the University of Maryland. Even former head coach Steve Clifford has roots in the state.
Flagg, who had a remarkable season at Duke University, recently stated he would “feel completely blessed and honored” to play for any team. As anticipation mounts for the lottery, the Hornets’ Maine connections add an intriguing dimension to the possible selection of this exceptional talent.
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