If the Utah Jazz win the lottery in 2025, they're taking Cooper Flagg. That's it, no questions asked. However, the chances of this happening are 14%, and that's the best the Jazz can hope for.
That also means there's an 86% chance they don't get the No. 1 pick. Of course, fans don't want to think about this, but the fact remains that there are strong odds that the Jazz may roll into next season without Flagg on the team. However, it's not like it's the worst thing in the world if they don't get him.
There are plenty of good prospects coming into this year's draft besides Flagg, even if none of them have the same expectations as him. The Athletic's Tony Jones revealed who he believes the Jazz will take if they wind up with the No. 2 pick in the draft.
Jones also added that the situation gets a little hazy if they don't get the No. 2 pick.
If the Jazz get number two, I would expect them to take Harper. If they get 3 or lower, then I would expect multiple names to be in the mix https://t.co/5DQMbnDTKk
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) March 24, 2025
Dylan Harper would be a fantastic pick
Harper has definitely made himself one of the standouts in this year's class. He may not be the consensus No. 1 pick, but he's been impressive enough that there's been a case that the Jazz would be better off with him than Flagg if they had to choose.
Like his father, Ron Harper, an excellent NBA player, Dylan is an oversized point guard who, with his shot creation and playmaking for his size, could create many matchup problems. The Jazz already have one of the most unique star big men in the NBA with Lauri Markkanen because of how many matchup problems he creates by himself.
Adding that much flavor with another player whose skillset poses even more matchup problems with Harper could be a huge step towards an excellent future. Harper has an iffy jumper, but being surrounded by good shooters like the Jazz have could compensate for that.
Flagg is a sure thing no matter where he goes, but Harper could fit better with what the Jazz are building now. The biggest criticism of the Jazz's youth movement is its lack of a centerpiece. Even if Harper doesn't turn out as good as Flagg, he could be that centerpiece and help the other Jazz youngsters fit better with their long-term vision.
Having someone like him could open up more opportunities for the Jazz's young players. Isaiah Collier could have more room to operate and and a fun passing buddy by his side. Kyle Filipowski could see even more open shots with Harper's presence. Brice Sensabaugh could be more consistent and efficient with another scorer. Ditto for Keyonte George (maybe).
Missing out on Flagg would be disappointing, but getting Harper should make the Jazz pretty excited for what the future would hold from there. No matter what Ron says...