Not too long ago, being a Portland Trail Blazers fan would be to endure a never-ending rebuild. It was dragging, losses were mounting and hope was disappearing. But suddenly, something changed. The Blazers started winning. 8 wins in their last 9 games saw them rattling off back-to-back victories over the Phoenix Suns. There was a spark in the fanbase just like that. However, while their present has been a blast, Portland fans are eyeing something bigger: Cooper Flagg, the 17-year-old Duke star who is the projected top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Portland’s recent surge has been impressive. In the past nine games, their defense has made an impact with two teams scoring fewer than 100 points, highlighted with a dominant 101-79 victory over Orlando. They knocked off the Suns (twice), Bucks, Magic, Hornets, Heat, Bulls, and Pelicans. 

However, the Blazers still have their struggles despite all this success. Yes, they have bolstered themselves to 12th in defensive rating due to great shot barring from Deandre Ayton and perimeter hustle from Toumani Camara, but they still rank 26th in net rating (-6.4) and 28th in three-point shooting at just 34.3%. They are good, but they need to be taken to next level, or to put differently, they need something — or someone. And fans think that someone is Cooper Flagg.

There is real hype around Flagg. Forward from Duke who has it all the tools in his toolbox: playmaking, defensive versatility you name it. Portland fans have made their stance clear: “Portland needs to get Cooper Flagg this draft.” Obviously, dreaming of Flagg and Ayton playing together is enough to keep Rip City dreaming.

Another fan added, “Cooper Flagg as a Blazer would be fye ngl.” His projected college stats of 16.3 points, 9.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game have been compared to a combination of Andrei Kirilenko and Jalen Johnson. The fans are thinking big seeing Cooper as a Scottie Barnes type of player leading Portland into the future.

Still, the road to Flagg is anything but certain. Currently, the Blazers sit with just a 3.7% chance at the top pick, and trade rumors surrounding Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III are swirling, but nothing is assured.

Some fans, though, believe Portland’s approach to tanking is as good as it gets. “Blazers deserve Flagg… they running the most ethical tank in the league.” Another writing, “Cooper Flagg in red and black would look so good.”

Meanwhile, the head coach Chauncey Billups, who was once being booed during team introductions, has started to earn some reluctant praise. His up-tempo approach has gotten the Blazers 5th in fast break points. And his player development has unleashed Avdija’s scoring and Camara’s shooting.

Is Cooper Flagg a perfect fit with Billups?

“Cooper Flagg going there would be the best situation for him (Chauncey Billups),” one fan tweeted. He was pointing to Billups’ knack for working with young talent. There might be some debate regarding just how NBA-ready Flagg is. But there’s zero question about his defensive IQ and transition skills which mesh perfectly with Portland’s way of operating.

Anyway, Flagg has been putting on a show at Duke. He’s been absolutely dominant in leading the team in all five major statistical categories. In the last ten games, he’s averaged 28.0 points per game, including a record freshman 42 against Notre Dame.

He has a 2.7% steal rate and 6.0% block rate, so he has been an anchor defensively. Clutch? He’s got that, too. He has a 24-point, 7-rebound, 3-assist game against top-ranked Auburn, and a 21-point, 8-rebound, 7-assist game against UNC and he thrives in the big moments.

Even basketball legends are sold. Dick Vitale called him “the best player I’ve seen in 45 years,” while Kevin Garnett didn’t hold back, saying Flagg is “ready for the NBA at 17″. The comparisons to Scottie Barnes with Kevin Durant’s scoring touch? Those just added fuel to the fire.

Now, the pressure is on Portland’s front office. Should they try to move veterans like Grant and Williams III to better their lottery odds? ESPN’s Zach Lowe noted that the Blazers are “bad by design” but gave them credit for their “ethical tank.” With Flagg’s stock soaring post-USA Select Team dominance, some fans call his draft hype “14/10.” 

For Blazers fans, the dream is simple, do whatever it takes to get Cooper Flagg onboard. But with the luck factor in the count, it’s not easy. Where do you think Cooper Flagg will end up after this year’s NBA draft? Drop your predictions!!