JUST IN: NBA All-Star Tips Rutgers Superstar For draft Instead Duke “Stud” Cooper Flagg

Since high school, Cooper Flagg has been the most widely regarded first overall draft pick.

There was little question that the Maine native would be the first pick in either the 2026 Draft before he reclassified or the 2025 Draft, but a four-time NBA All-standout is putting a dampener on the excitement around the Duke basketball standout.

DeMarcus Cousins stated on Run It Back on FanDuel TV, “Ace Bailey is the No. 1 pick in my opinion.”

Ace Bailey is someone I like. He’s the closest thing we’ve seen to Tracy McGrady, in my opinion.

The Dallas Mavericks, according to Cousins, will try to trade for a proven superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo, and he does not think they will keep the first overall choice.

With no trade conversations or speculations circulating, Flagg is still the overwhelming favorite to be the top choice despite all the commotion surrounding the Mavericks franchise.

In actuality, Bailey has been a declining player, even though Cooper Flagg has consistently been the first pick in every mock draft. The Rutgers player was predicted by many to be selected as the second overall choice in the June draft, but talents like Dylan Harper, Bailey’s Scarlet Knights teammate, and VJ Edgecombe of Baylor are gradually moving up the draft rankings.

Former Duke transfer commit Cedric Coward has been one of the fastest risers in the draft thanks to his pre-draft workouts, choosing to stay in the NBA Draft rather than play for Duke next season. Duke freshmen Kon Knueppel and Khaman Malauch are also anticipated to be selected in the Top 10 of the NBA Draft.

While the Blue Devils hope to have their whole starting five selected, Tyrese Proctor and Sion James are still expected to be selected in the second round.

On June 25, the NBA Draft will begin with the first round.