A fter a down year for the 2024 NBA rookie class, during which second-rounder Bronny James was the most anticipated draft pick to play in the NBA summer league in Las Vegas, the excitement was back earlier this month as No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg and other top selections from the touted 2025 class took the court with their new teams.

Optimism surrounding the Pelicans' 2025 draft class was met with disappointment after the team's 0-5 showing in the NBA 2K26 Summer League.

At Duke, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and earned ACC Player of the Year honors while leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four. He also won the Wooden and Naismith Player of the Year awards and was an All-American.