The Bulls Lost The Cooper Flagg Sweepstakes….On a Coin Flip
The NBA draft lottery is in the books. And while we were all hoping for that slim chance at the number one pick with a 1.7% chance at winning the Cooper flag sweep stakes, the same odds the Bulls had at getting number one pick back in 2008 when they landed Derrick Rose. But of course, as you all know by now, it wasn’t meant to be. But not only was it not meant to be, this draft lottery was especially gut-wrenching because not only did the Bulls stay at number 12, the team they tied with to finish the regular season with the same record of 39 to 43, a team they lost the coin flip tiebreaker, too. And the Dallas Mavericks moved up not only into the top four, but secured the number one pick. The Bulls missed out on Cooper Flag on a lost coin flip. Absolutely brutal. I was live streaming the draft lottery while it was going on. So, some of you probably saw my reaction in real time to see the Mavs jump up into the top four and then when we learned they got the number one pick, like to me, I would have been fine had it been a scenario where the Bulls didn’t move up into the top four and they got the number 12 pick because that’s what we expected to happen anyway. They had an 85% chance of getting the 12th pick. And I would have been fine if things had more or less played out where the teams far below the Bullsson moved up. And actually, scratch that. I would have been fine had any other team moved up to get the number one pick over the team the Bulls lost the tiebreaker to because the way it played out meant the Bulls were just that much closer to getting a franchise changing player. There are a few things I want to say though because there were obviously a lot of reactions on Twitter following the results of the draft lottery from a lot of Bulls fans. And what I’ll say is this, that as unfortunate as it was and how this played out where it came down to a coin foot for the Bulls and getting number one pick, at the end of the day, this just once again demonstrates that tanking is not a viable strategy. Hoping for lottery luck is not a strategy. This is now the second year in a row where a play-in team, a team that had less than a 3% chance at winning the lottery. The Hawks had a 3% chance last year, the Mavs a 1.8% chance this year. While on the flip side, this is the third year in a row, three years in a row now, where the worst team in the NBA, the team with the worst record this year was the Utah Jazz, fell out of the top four. The Jazz and Wizards were horrible this year. They spent most of the season losing and playing unwatchable basketball, all but to get the fifth and sixth pick, respectively. Now, look, I get the whole game of probabilities. Like, I’m not dumb. I understand that even though it’s not guaranteed, even though it is luck, you want to give yourself the best chance possible at landing a top pick. Yes, I’m aware that 14% is better than 2%. Yes, if you’re a rebuilding team, tanking team, you want to give yourself the most cracks at it to move up in the draft lottery. I get all that, but look how things played out. There are so many different outcomes and scenarios when it comes to the draft lottery. And you can try and control it as much as you can, but in reality, you have such little control into how things are going to play out. And what drives me crazy is some of the logic I’m seeing from Bulls fans and even some in the media that say, “Well, had Josh Giddy just not hit that halfcourt shot against the Lakers, the Bulls could have had Cooper flag.” Or had they just lost one more game, they would have gotten Cooper flag because that would have meant they would have finished in sole position with the 11th worst record and therefore there would never have been a tiebreaker. Like, do you know how many different ways that could also be said? What if the Mavs had just won one more game? What if the Bulls lost more than one additional game, which mind you, some people wanted the Bulls to do, lose a lot more games. If they had lost a few more games and fell below the Blazers, then you’re looking at a scenario where the Blazers jumped the Bulls to get the number one pick and the Bulls end up with the 11th pick like the Blazers did, by the way. They finished with a worse record and fell back. The same thing could be said if they lost even more to say where Toronto finished and they fell back two spots. The Raptors fell to ninth. Like the whole what if game is fun and all and we can sit here yelling about all the possible outcomes that would have worked in the Bull’s favor had they lost one, two, three, or however many more games. At the end of the day, it goes back to what I’ve been saying all along. It’s a crapshoot. It’s the roll of a dice. It’s luck. It is undetermined. It is not a certainty. There are just as many ways where things can go wrong as they do go right. And you cannot control it. The Bulls got unlucky, as did a lot of other teams, and some got really lucky, particularly the Mavs and the Spurs. We can be mad about it all we want. Say the lottery is rigged or it’s a broken system because of how the odds are structured or that the lottery favors tanking teams. But then sometimes said tanking teams get screwed. We have the right to be mad about the rules of the draft lottery and wish that it was different. But this is how it’s currently structured. A lottery system that is largely based on luck with even still low probabilities for the worst of the worst to land the number one pick. Now, all that said, it is going to be interesting given the top three picks went to teams that aren’t necessarily in rebuild mode. Well, the Mavs and Sixers most certainly are not. And I think most would argue that with the Spurs trading for Darren Fox and now the emergence obviously of Victor Wmanyama, uh they’re going to be looking to compete that maybe there will be opportunities to trade up into the top three if you’re the Bulls. Not sure the Bulls have the trade chips to get there, but I could easily see the Spurs trading number two pick to get more of a win now type player. Giannis comes to mind. Uh, the Sixers, same thing. Maybe look to get a player they can use to add talent to their failed roster that existed last year. I highly doubt the Mavs would ever consider trading the Rice to Cooper flag regardless of where they are in their current direction, but who knows? They did trade their franchise player for peanuts, so who knows Nico Harrison what he’s going to do and what direction he’ll want to take with this. Also, can we just talk about what a bone the basketball gods gave Nico Harrison where after he made arguably one of the worst trades of all time for getting such little in return for Luca Donuch, he then gets gifted Cooper flag. They instantly get handed another franchise player. Like, come on now. Man really didn’t deserve that. And no, I do not think the lottery is rigged. I get why some would think that, but if it was rigged, this would eventually get out and be a massive story the media members in the drawing room would love to break and completely not only that, it would completely ruin the legitimacy and credibility of the league and they would really struggle to recover from that kind of scandal. It’s just not worth it for the NBA to do that. I do agree though, it does look pretty sus when of all teams, the Mavericks moved up to number one, especially with all the conspiracy theories around the league about the trade for Luca and how they wanted that to happen because they wanted Luca in the biggest market next to LeBron. It’s definitely strange, but it’s not rigged, guys. And it’s just unfortunate that the Bulls got the short end of the stick here to narrowly miss out on the number one pick for a chance at a generational talent that could have reshaped this franchise. But anyway, now we know the Bulls have the number 12 pick. That is confirmed and set in stone. Well, for now, who knows if they try and trade up, but now it is confirmed. I will start doing some draft prospect videos on some of the best options for the Bulls for players who are most likely to fall in that range. So, be on the lookout for that. Also do a video on what the results of the draft lottery will likely mean for the rest of the league, trade implications, etc. on my NBA channel. A link to that channel can be found in the description. Let me know what you guys thought of how the order went down today. Let me know in the comments. And guys, as always, be sure to subscribe and I’ll see you in the next
Reacting to the results of the NBA draft lottery and the Bulls missing out on Cooper Flagg by a coin flip
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35 Comments
Well… it's the same logic as the ones saying "if Giddey didn't make that shot", it is not linear, if the Bulls would've won the coin flip it doesn't ensure we would have gotten the 1st pick.
That said, why the NBA does not broadcast the moment the ping pong balls are being pulled out? That certainly lacks transparency.
The last time the Bulls lost a coin flip for #1 was 1979. The Lakers won it and selected Magic Johnson. But the Bulls got the better MJ 5 years later
We would’ve ruined him
Sorry, but Maverics dont deserve this. At least the GMs. They are super incompetant and now they got a chance to spin it positively.
I don't believe you aren't even considering the draft lottery is rigged. I am not saying it always happens but Chicago getting rose and Cleveland getting LeBron we're a little too convenient. Now flagg going to Dallas, a team that could legitimately lose their fan base? It's all a little too convenient… Go bulls
Yes my friend you're right tanking doesn't work but not because of the system it's because this league pretty much do what they want with the first pick.
This thing is rigged bro swear Adam had to save Nico Harrison
Loll no matter what happens ppl will complain. Theres zero evidence that its rigged. Congrats to the mavs for getting #1.
Also unpopular opinion but i believe the mavs got the better of the trade because luka is a big time defensive liability and makes the ENTIRE team worse on D. And yes defense is way more important than offense since a great defense can always be relied upon whereas even the greatest offense will still be inconsistent and streaky at times
Rigged
I agree with the idea that tanking doesn’t guarantee the No. 1 overall pick, but saying it “doesn’t work” is misleading. There are plenty of examples where the No. 1 pick didn’t turn into a franchise player and turned into a bust . There have been drafts where the second or third pick ends up being a better player just look at the 2017 draft: Markelle Fultz went first, Lonzo Ball second, and Jayson Tatum third. Clearly, a top 4 pick can still bring a superstar.
Now, I’m also not a fan of tanking in years where there’s only one clear-cut top prospect—like last year. But this year is different. This class is deep. We’re talking about six guys who in any other year, would go top three. If we had committed to a soft tank and “landed” the 3rd or 4th pick, we’d have a legitimate shot at someone like Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, or Tre Johnson. I’m not a fan of tanking, but I think it’s a great idea to “strategically tank”(new term) in draft classes that are stacked especially if we don’t have a number 1 option.
I agree with the idea that the draft is purely luck but I don’t agree with the way you dismiss tanking without better context behind it. Yes there’s randomness involved, but that doesn’t mean you ignore the math. For example, the Bulls got lucky last year when Matas Buzelis fell to them at 11. That means that any of the 10 teams could have easily scooped him up. And now, in a much deeper class, we’re once again hoping to hit gold at pick 12. Let that sink in: we’re hoping to get lucky at 12. What is the math behind the 11 and 12 picks becoming superstar players. I’m sure it has happened, but that’s not the argument. On the other hand, if we had tanked—even slightly—we likely wouldn’t have been the worst team. But we could’ve landed in the 5–9 range, where two teams this year jumped into the top four. So yes, it’s a “what if,” but it’s also basic probability. More ping pong balls equals better odds. The higher the pick the more likely you get to draft a star player or draft the player you want to draft whether or not he becomes a star player: Patrick Williams.
This all leads to the bigger question: if we’re not willing to tank to chase a superstar or potential generational talent, then how exactly are we planning to acquire one? Because ultimately, that’s the goal—build a roster that can contend for a championship. Those that say we shouldn’t tank, not even for one year- are basically screaming it’s okay to be mediocre. If you are not drafting a star player, you have to sign one or trade for one. We are signing any star players for a long time. Even with Rose and Noah we couldn’t get either LeBron, Wade or Bosh to come. So that’s not happening. Trade for a star player? While it’s possible, the contracts are always tricky. Trading for a star player puts. you into a window for how long you have to win a championship before the Reindorfs don’t want to pay luxury tax. By drafting a star player, you get a longer window opportunity to build a contending team.
Now I would like to genuinely see you make a video about how we go from here to championship contenders(not competing, contending) without purposely tanking even once. With the following questions, are we really going to bank the next 4-5 years on Josh Giddy and Coby white as our best players. If not what trades do you see potentially opening up within those 4-5 years that can make us contenders.
Apart from that, this lottery was clearly rigged, but Imma blame the coin flip on AK just because
The Mavs trade Luca but miraculously land Cooper Flagg? the Spurs somehow land another top 4 pick? So blatantly rigged. The Bulls were never going to get Flagg, he was destined for Dallas the moment the Luca trade went through. Absolutely disgraceful.
Completely rigged. Also, Media obviously won’t say anything because of job security.
I understand why people think it’s rigged, but I don’t understand why it wouldn’t be rigged in favor of one of the biggest sports franchises in the world in the Chicago Bulls. If it’s about generating revenue, you’d think the Bulls would be favored. Maybe it’s more about who the highest bidder is, and lining the individuals pockets? Idk. Probability guarantees nothing. More data is needed IMO.
This rigged
If it’s not rigged why is it done behind closed doors??
It's fixed……..but at the same time how do you these guy going to be a franchise player. This is just BS. Please……..Jimmy Butler was chosen with the last pick in the first round and look at him now. Please stop this BS. Who knows how the draft going to work. Don't even care about this…..
Definitely rigged
Yeah we had 0 chance at the #1 pick. Coin flip or not. They are rewarding Nico for the attention he brought.
Completely rigged. There was no chance that Adam Silver was going to let Cooper Flagg go to a market like Utah, Charolette or Toronto…
Bulls end up 12 which is where we expected them to be. What we need now is luck like we had last draft and have a player like MB fall to us. I was also hoping for Portland to move up so next year they’re not in the lottery as their first round pick would convey to the Bulls. In 2027 it conveys as their 2nd round pick so hoping Portland is a playoff team next year though not likely. We’ll lose THT and Tre. The Front Office signaling they aren’t trading Vuc or anyone else unless they get an exceptional offer. Billy doesn’t play rookies until they earn it. Look 👀 for similar lineup in the fall with MB at 4 and PWill at the 3. Expecting a similar record and we draft 11-13 again next year, if we keep our pick which we should with a good draft class. 😬
I’m sorry, but it’s completely rigged. Way too many coincidences happen after a player goes to the Lakers. The team that they come from always get reward. Same thing when LeBron left Cleveland they had like three first picks in a five year span. It’s not realistic.
This NBA draft is rigged.
So rigged
Wrong, the Bulls lost Flagg because they would rather make the play-in and get eliminated like they didn't belong in the playoffs at all.
Much love and respect @Bulls.Central and bulls fans all over..but the coin flip never really mattered. The league rigged it so Dallas could get Flagg so the fans wouldn’t boycott the team any further
Definitely rigged!!!!
Let’s just cut the BS the NBA gave Dallas Cooper Flagg to replace Luka! Dallas is a major market and they need a star there.
didnt lose on a coin flip, blatant rig
Of course it's rigged
The "coin flip" is just gaslighting. There was nothing random about who got the first pick. Bogus side story.
Jamal. Good grief youngin…You seem to care about Chicago. Your vids are more often reasonably informative and fun than not, but when you make statements like in this video your casual fans' takes are doin' more to leave the community clueless IF they dont do their own homework, than educate them.
1st, you say the NBA draft isn't rigged. My God. Do your homework, and dont use the mainstream sports media narratives, and look at what's in front of your face.
The exact same scenario to the T played out in 2019. Zion was placed in N.O. only after pre draft plan of AD, the NBA and Klutch colluding in getting AD to LA, via LAs miraculous #4 pick to make the trade work leaving N.O to rebuild w the next "great" talent in Zion, with Lonzo, Ingram, Hart and 3 more 1st rounders. My God, listen to the actual on-air commentary during that draft. It's shameful.
We are not even going to mention the obvious Ewing to Knicks, LeP.E.D to Cavs, DRose to my Bulls at 1.7 PERCENT…(lol glad about that one🤷♂️)
Let's talk about the again miraculous 2014 draft, Cavs w 9th best odds at 1.7 PERCENT that was sent to Minnesota to get LeP.E.D his "big 3" w KLove in the biggest story of the summer in the Cleveland "homecoming"🤢🤮
I wish the best for your channels, and I respect anyones right to put out content but do your homework with an intellectually honest lens. Even IF it makes you see what you dont want to!
In my humble but intellectually honest opinion based on multiple decades long following of sports, the NBA in particular as we speak, tells me unequivocally that the NBA as a Board of Governors love narratives in this global era more than ever.
Allowing them to now truly do what was once just thought of in scenario manipulation. Most importantly, in draft years with consensus transcendent players that sometimes also coincide with established star movement.
Wake up☕️
🍻✌️
The pain in Matas’s eyes, that’s how we all felt
The Bulls not going nowhere anytime soon & glad they didn't get the number 1 pick they would've screwed Cooper Flagg career up, they don't know how to develope players and the play calling suck I would've Vetoed being drafted to the Bulls if I was Flagg headed to the Bulls
Copper flag doesn't look good anyway
The youngsters here won't remember, but the Bulls also lost a coin flip back in 1979 to the Lakers and lost out on drafting Magic Johnson…..they of course would draft Michael Jordan a few years later so they ended up doing alright.