The Way to Wisdom

The 2025 NBA Draft has now concluded, with teams across the league hoping that their most recent selections will set them up for long-term success.

Some of the notable highlights from the two-day event in Brooklyn include:

• The Duke Blue Devils became the first college program since 2012 to have all five starters selected in a single draft.

  
  

• The Brooklyn Nets became the first team in history to make five first-round selections, taking four guards in the process.

  
  

• Baylor guard V.J. Edgecombe beat out a handful of other contenders to be selected third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers.

  
  

• Rutgers guard Ace Bailey was selected fifth overall by the Utah Jazz, with reports coming out alleging that Bailey and his representatives told specific teams in the top five not to pick him.

  
  

But without question, the seminal moment of the draft took place right at the opening, as the Dallas Mavericks unsurprisingly took Duke superstar Cooper Flagg with the top overall selection.

Labeled by many experts as a “generational talent,” Flagg has one of the most polished and well-rounded games that we have ever seen from such a young prospect.

Playing on a Duke team loaded with fellow future NBA players, Flagg ultimately led the Blue Devils in all five major statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks).

Just watching him play, it didn’t take long to see how he impacted every facet of the game with his rare blend of athleticism, skill, intelligence, and competitiveness.

Though he has yet to take the court on the professional level, many analysts have already started comparing Flagg to some of the legends of the game. Names mentioned in discussions about Flagg include Larry Bird, Kevin Garnett, Scottie Pippen, Kawhi Leonard, and Jayson Tatum.

With all of the hype surrounding him for years, it wouldn’t have been too unexpected if Flagg had let some of the praise go to his head and inflate his ego.

But what has been remarkable to witness is the level of humility Flagg has demonstrated throughout the process. Rather than isolating himself and thinking that he is better than everyone else, Flagg has consistently attempted to reach out to others in an attempt to continue improving his game.

On the night of Flagg's draft, he commented, “I think I keep saying I'm excited to be a sponge, to get down there and just learn, be surrounded by Hall of Fame-caliber guys, and just to be able to learn from them. It's going to be an incredible experience. I feel so blessed to be in the position I am.”

Flagg realizes how blessed he is to be joining a franchise that currently boasts living legends and former NBA champions such as Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and Anthony Davis on its roster. As such, he is entering the NBA with a mindset that is prepared to seek out advice and intentionally learn from those around him.

As followers of Jesus, we consistently see Scripture point us to the fact that there is great wisdom in surrounding ourselves with other wise people who can teach us and provide us guidance as we attempt to navigate life in a way that supremely glorifies God.

Proverbs 12:15 (ESV) says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”

Just as Flagg has expressed a desire to be proactive in learning from star players who have experienced success in the NBA before him, we need to be intentional in seeking out older believers in the body of Christ who have demonstrated that they have conducted their lives with character, wisdom, and integrity.

When we fail to seek out the counsel and wisdom of those who have walked the path before us, we often set ourselves up to experience unnecessary heartache and pain. Instead of learning from the mistakes and successes of other believers, we foolishly think we already have all the answers and force ourselves to learn from our own mistakes.

When we are going through life's trying experiences, such as the loss of a loved one, the pressures of financial uncertainty, or the challenges of raising children, we must remember that, regardless of what we face, other faithful saints have walked through it first and acquired valuable insights along the way.

Also, no matter how far we think we have matured and advanced in our life of faith, we must humbly acknowledge that we still have room for improvement and there is still much to glean from others. Like Flagg, let’s get “excited to be a sponge.”

Proverbs 19:20 (NKJV) adds, “Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days.”

Job 12:12 (NASB) reminds us, “Wisdom is with the aged, And with long life comes understanding.”

Today, let’s resolve to be people who seek to learn from the wisdom of others. Let’s be intentional in seeking out godly counsel that can help us live a better life, bringing glory to our great God.

I’m Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing me with older believers who have gained valuable wisdom that can help me to honor You. Please help me connect with the right people who can instruct and encourage me in Your ways, and allow me to be a blessing to those who come after me as well. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.