Portland Trail Blazers nearly landed Cooper Flagg (June 2025), missing the #1 pick by one ball. Now, they eye talent at #11. How will Rip City rebuild?
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
Rip City, let's talk about what might have been. Friday, June 6th, and while the Moda Center is quiet, the buzz around the Trail Blazers' future is anything but. News dropped that our beloved Blazers were a single, solitary ping-pong ball away from landing the coveted No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft Lottery – and a shot at Duke phenom Cooper Flagg. Heartbreaking, right? But now, with the dust settled, the focus is crystal clear: making the most of the No. 11 pick on June 25th.
The Blazers were reportedly just one ping-pong ball away from landing the top selection.
It's the kind of 'what if' that will haunt Blazers fans for a bit. Imagine: Cooper Flagg in a Portland jersey. That dream was almost a reality, with reports confirming the Blazers were tantalizingly close to the top spot, holding a mere 3.7% chance. Instead, a cruel twist of fate saw the Dallas Mavericks, with even slimmer odds (1.8%!), leapfrog everyone. We slipped from a potential top-10 to No. 11, an 18.5% probability that unfortunately came true. While missing out on a generational talent like Flagg stings, the No. 11 pick still offers a valuable opportunity to add a significant piece to our rebuilding puzzle.
With the draft order locked, Assistant GM Mike Schmitz and the scouting department are burning the midnight oil. As of this week, a whopping 30 prospects have showcased their talents for the Blazers, including six more on Tuesday. Names like Collin Murray-Boyles, Derik Queen, and international prospect Egor Demin are reportedly in the mix. There's also chatter and debate surrounding Georgia's Asa Newell, whose stock seems to be a hot topic in mock drafts. The front office is leaving no stone unturned to find the right fit to complement our young core.
Let's be real, missing the playoffs again is tough. Finishing 12th in the West with a 36-46 record wasn't the outcome anyone hoped for. This marks another year on the outside looking in, and it underscores why this draft, and every move the front office makes, is so critical. The 2024-25 season is in the books, and the lessons learned must fuel the strategy for a brighter future. This No. 11 pick isn't just another selection; it's a chance to inject much-needed talent and hope.
Despite the on-court quiet, the Blazers are keeping the Rip City faithful engaged. The team's social media channels have been active, offering glimpses into the pre-draft process. We saw footage from Gonzaga forward Ben Gregg's workout on June 3rd, a nice touch for local fans. These updates, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes content are crucial for keeping the connection strong as we navigate the offseason.
So, what's next? All eyes are on June 25th. The near-miss in the lottery adds a layer of drama, but the mission remains the same: find a player at No. 11 who can be a cornerstone for the Trail Blazers' resurgence. The workouts continue, the debates will rage, and the anticipation will build. Stay tuned, Rip City, because this offseason is just getting started.
