The Washington Wizards have emerged as the top team in the race to win the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes up to this point in the season.
Washington has continued to stack up losses as the season has progressed and with the team headed towards being a seller at the NBA trade deadline in February, they could be in position to pile up even more losses if they offload talented players like Kyle Kuzma, Jonas Valanciunas, Malcolm Brogdon and even Jordan Poole in the middle of the season.
Nonetheless, with a young roster, general manager Will Dawkins will likely prioritize opening up minutes for the young players on the team to develop and if they do lose games along the way, it's not the end of the world with it only adding fuel to the fire in their run for the No. 1 overall pick.
Round 1, Pick 1: F Cooper Flagg, Duke
Cooper Flagg is undeniably the most coveted prospect in this upcoming NBA draft class. The freshman sensation from Duke has the ball skills of a guard, the size of a wing and the footwork to play both positions at an elite level. Flagg could be exactly what the Wizards need to begin their rebuild with a cornerstone that can help elevate them to contention.
Round 2, Pick 38: SG Kam Jones, Marquette
Kam Jones is one of the older prospects in this draft, but the guard has taken his game to another level this season. The Marquette product has put in the work to be a consistent scorer in all areas on the court with an improving jumper and a unteachable ability to finish at the rim.
If the Wizards do hope to add variety in the draft, they could turn to a guard with their second round pick that offers them high upside.
Round 2, Pick 49 (via Suns): SG Darrion Williams, Texas Tech
Darrion Williams is another guard that could offer the Wizards high upside in the bottom half of the second round. The Texas Tech star is in the midst of a breakout season averaging 16.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists, while shooting 50% from field goal range and 37.5% from three.
Round 2, Pick 50 (via Warriors): PF Bogoljub Markovic, Europe
Washington could close out their draft class with a draft and stash product that they could let develop overseas until they see enough improvement that makes them feel he's ready to contribute. One prime candidate for this role could be Bogoljub Markovic who has shown flashes of how talented he can be this season overseas.
The 6-foot-11 power forward can stretch the floor and he has the size to hold his own in the paint. With the right developmental plan, the Serbian could be a valuable role player in the future.