Context:

Cooper Flagg, a standout from Duke, is expected to be the top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft Lottery, with the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets each having a 14 percent chance to secure the first pick. Despite the anticipation surrounding his potential NBA career, Flagg has the option to return to college, as the NCAA deadline for withdrawal is May 28. This decision gives him time to assess his prospects based on the NBA Combine and the team that might draft him. The possibility of playing for the Jazz, Wizards, or Hornets poses a significant decision for Flagg, as he evaluates where he wants to begin his professional career. This unique opportunity allows Flagg to make an unprecedented decision by potentially choosing college over the NBA, depending on his assessment in the coming weeks.

Dive Deeper:

• Cooper Flagg is anticipated to be the top pick in the NBA Draft Lottery, which is a significant event given that three teams—the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets—hold equal chances of securing the first draft pick.

• Flagg has a unique opportunity to return to college, as the NCAA allows players to withdraw from the draft until May 28, giving him an escape route if he is uncertain about the teams that may select him.

• Participating in the NBA Combine will provide Flagg with insights into which team might draft him, allowing him to make an informed decision about whether to enter the NBA or return to Duke.

• The decision to join the NBA or return to college is complex, as Flagg must consider the prospects of playing for the Jazz, Wizards, or Hornets, each presenting distinct opportunities and challenges.

• Flagg's situation is unprecedented as he has the rare ability to potentially choose a return to college over a professional career, a decision that could be influenced by his evaluation of the teams and his own career aspirations.

• The NBA Draft Lottery will take place on Monday night.

• In a year like this one, it really becomes about a lottery for the No. 1 overall pick. Duke's Cooper Flagg is expected to be the prize, and he's actually in the building for the lottery announcement.

• The three teams that each have a 14 percent chance to land the top pick are the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets.

• Flagg still has an escape route if he wants it, though.

• The NCAA deadline to return to college is May 28.

• MORE: Breaking down Cooper Flagg's lottery odds

• So at this point, you could have your NBA Combine experience and get a sense for who might take you, then go back to school if it doesn't look appealing.

• Flagg doesn't have to look far. He pretty much knows whoever gets No. 1 is taking him.

• Does Flagg really want to go to the Jazz, Wizards or Hornets? It's a seriously fair question. 

• He'll have about two weeks to change his NBA mind.

• Duke won't count on Flagg coming back, but he's definitely got a chance to do something wild and unprecedented.

• And he's got until May 28 to do it.

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