The Losing Edge: 7 NBA teams that should be lining up to tank for Cooper Flagg
By Cal Durrett
San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama is seen as the next face of the NBA, and he could help the Spurs get back to their winning ways next season. Even though the West will be very tough next season, by adding veterans such as Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, San Antonio should have enough around Wembanyama to compete for the playoffs next season.
If that is the case, then why are they among the seven teams here that could be in play for Flagg? They own an unprotected 2025 first-round pick from the Atlanta Hawks and the Hawks have a chance to be among the worst teams in their conference and the five worst teams in the league next season.
Although the Hawks nearly made the playoffs this past season, they already moved on from star Dejounte Murray and could move on another starter in Clint Capela in an effort to retool around Trae Young and number one overall pick Zacharrie Risacher.
They won't have any incentive to tank, though they may still have one of the five worst teams in the NBA if Young misses extended time. That would give the Spurs a small shot at the number one pick. Nevertheless, you have to be in it to win it and a crack at the top pick would give them a chance to secure their second number one pick in three years and pair Flagg with Wembanyama.